Gary Lee Robinson

Gary Lee Robinson of Independence, MO passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO on February 23, 2023.

Gary was born to Nathan and Charlotte Robinson on January 12, 1944, on the family farm near Altamont, Kansas. At an early age, the family moved to town where Gary attended Altamont Grade School and later graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1962.

Gary loved music and learned to play the guitar at a young age. He sang in his high school’s select choir and played trumpet in the high school band.

After high school, Gary went on to study at Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, KS, earning a Bachelor of Business Education degree in 1966. In college, Gary served as Student Council President his senior year. Gary was also selected as a member of Blue Key Honor Leadership Fraternity, serving as secretary. He was also treasurer of the Union Activities Council, president of Phi Beta Lambda, and was selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After college, Gary taught business education classes at Frederick Remington High School, Whitewater, Kansas. After teaching for two years, Gary returned to Emporia State to earn his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. After he finished his master’s degree, he was hired as the manager for Southwestern Bell in Kirksville, MO. Two years later, he was transferred to their Kansas City, MO office. Years later, he also worked for Xerox, sold insurance, and eventually ended up at AT&T as a manager/trainer. Gary retired from AT&T after several years of service.

Gary served his country in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard for 6 years.

Gary attended several churches during his life, including First Baptist Church of Independence, MO for over 30 years. During his time there he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir and orchestra member.

Gary was generally known most of his life for his upbeat attitude, friendly personality and being a wonderful family man. He loved and adored his wife and daughters, and their grandchildren were his pride and joy. Sadly, that all was diminished the last several years due to Gary’s dementia diagnosis and the sad way it steals your life. He fought a brave fight. His family is forever thankful that he was “ours” even if he couldn’t always recall our names.

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Mingle Robinson; daughter, Cassie Roy (George), of Independence, MO; daughter, Callie Patterson (Andrew), of Louisburg, KS; and grandchildren, Mara Keffer (Brent), of Lawrence, KS; Collin Swindler of Manhattan, KS; Reid Justesen of Manhattan, KS; Alex Patterson of Louisburg, KS; Will Patterson of McPherson, KS; George T. Roy and Elaine Roy, both of Independence, MO.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanie and Don Mourning, a baby grandson, Carson Swindler, and his longtime best friend and brother-in-law, Bill Mingle; as well as many other family members and friends.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke’s Hospice House (3516 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64111) or to The Gardens at Barry Road Assisted Living and Memory Care (8300 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153) Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).