ORIENT, Ohio — Hundreds of community members gathered Saturday at Foundation Church in Pickaway County to pay their respects and remember the lives of Mark, Gideon and Liam Robinette.
The three died in a house fire in Orient on Tuesday.
Family members say Mark died a hero. He got his wife and two of his children out safely, then ran back inside when he found out two other children were still inside the home. Unfortunately, the three of them did not make it out of the home.
Mark was the pastor and founder of Foundation Church in Mt. Sterling. His church family said he was a connector of all people.
“There’s families in this church that exist because Mark Robinette would meet one person here, one person there and think 'huh, I think they would like to meet each other,'” said Steven Russell, a family friend.
To Russell, Mark was more than a pastor. He was someone he looked up to and could depend on.
“Mark was a father figure. He was the man you could go to when you needed advice and life throws you a curve ball and you need to talk,” he said.
Mark was known in the community to be someone who was always willing to help others. He invested in people and expected nothing in return.
“He would take someone on the street that was homeless and he would minister to them when other people would just pass by,” said Jonathan Narwold, a family friend.
His sons, Liam and Gideon, were a light for those who knew them. Liam was just 10 years old and Gideon was 17 years old.
“They were beautiful young people. My memory of both of them is always smiles on their faces, always willing to serve. The whole Robinette family is that way. Always willing to do whatever is necessary,” said Narwold.
Gideon was known to volunteer in the sound booth at church. Now he won’t be there, but his memory will stay.
“Now we are saying we are going to serve up there for him,” said Narwold.
Liam was known as a sweet young boy, who everyone loved. Narwold said his daughter was best friends with Liam, and he always had her back.
“He protected her when some boys would scare her and he would say ‘No, leave her alone.’ He was a caring little boy and especially Liam, always had a smile on that little kid's face,” said Narwold.