03/29/2023

Obituary for John E. Robinson

Retired owner of Robinson Funeral Home

John E. Robinson, 80, a lifelong resident and longtime Delaware Funeral Director, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at home following an extended illness. He was born in Delaware on December 12, 1942, to the late Eugene H. and Margaret (Swope) Robinson.

John was a graduate of Willis High School in 1961, attended Ohio State University, and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1964.

While in Cincinnati, he met and fell in love with a nursing student, Sue Tippens. They were married in 1965 and together raised a family and shared a wonderful life.

John's grandfather Harry established Robinson Funeral Home in 1897 in Ostrander and moved to Delaware in 1925. His father, Eugene became the second-generation serving Delaware from 1931-1957. John himself became licensed and the third generation to continue the family firm in 1964, joined by his wife Sue in 1965. Their daughter Julie became a licensed director and the fourth generation to join the Robinson Funeral Home legacy in 1996.

John embraced the calling to become a funeral director and was dedicated to his profession and serving the needs of this community. He was an Ohio Licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 50 years. True to his character, he often provided services for those in need, who couldn't afford them. A man of compassion, he often put caring for the needs of his community before his own.

A community steward and servant in many capacities, he was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, former deacon of Zion United Church of Christ, a former member of the Delaware Elks, I.O.O. F., Delaware Jaycees, Delaware Rotary, and Sertoma International. John served as the Campaign Chairman of the Delaware Heart Fund Drive in 1965 and Campaign Chairman of the Commercial Division of the Delaware United Way in 1967. Over the years he served on the Boards of the Delaware Red Cross, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Delaware Speech and Hearing Center, Meals on Wheels, Help Anonymous, and the Delaware Co. Historical Society.

John was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 18 F & AM, Sidney Moore Council No. 84, Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, and Aladdin Shrine.

Over the years, he was an active participant in several downtown Delaware coffee clubs of area businessmen. With a passion for traveling, especially cruises and the National Parks, John and Sue visited every State in the USA. He loved the outdoors and animals. He also enjoyed playing tennis and swimming. He was also a big fan of Elvis Presley.

John loved people, he enjoyed telling jokes as well as hearing them and always carried a list of his jokes with him. His life centered on his family and funeral service. He will be remembered for his compassion, large heart, caring ways, love of family, and for always being there.

In addition to his beloved wife of 58 years, Sue, those left to cherish his memory include a daughter and her husband, Julie and Joe Robinson-Wileschael of Delaware, son and his wife Rob and Jolyn Robinson of Zionsville, Indiana, precious grandchildren: Hope Robinson-Wileschael, T.J., Tori, and Tally Robinson; cousin, Jeff Danison and many other cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Beth Welcome; Kristen (Bill) Welcome-McKee and their daughter, Maddie; step-Grandson, Jason and Carray Spada-Wileschael, and their son, Quinn; and special friends, Wanda, Tami and Deb, who brightened his days.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather Ken Shively, and his beloved funeral home cat, Wazzer.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Robinson Funeral Home, 32 W. Winter St., Delaware, 43015, where services will follow at 1 p.m. with Hiram Masonic Lodge #18, F & AM conducting Masonic Rites. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to People in Need, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, or Shriners Children's Hospital.

To share a condolence or memory, please visit: www.robinsonfuneralhomeinc.com.