Willie Ed Robinson
May 22, 2020
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Service Details
Willie Ed Robinson passed from this life on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Arbor Springs of West Des Moines.
Willie was born April 3, 1945 in Amory, Mississippi to John Willis and Deborah (Broyles) Robinson. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Holy Name High School. After graduation he came to Ames, Iowa to attend Iowa State University on a football scholarship. It was there, he received his BA degree and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Student Personnel.
During his time at ISU, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Wright. They were married after graduation, and were fortunate to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. They lived most of their married lives in Des Moines, Iowa where they raised their son, Joshua.
In 1978 he accepted a position with the City of Des Moines where he worked as Equal Opportunity Director for the city for nearly 30 years. Willie was passionate about equal rights and social justice, and helping people achieve those goals. His passion for his profession was only exceeded by his love of family, and of course, his joy of raising and showing his Great Dane dogs.
Willie is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Joshua G. (Dena); grandson, Joshua M; brothers, Larry, Karl, and Attwyne Robinson; and sister, Penelope Robinson.
Willie is preceded in death by his parents, John and Deborah Robinson, and four brothers, John Jr, Christopher, Earl and Danny.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be directed to the “Willie Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund for Minority Students" at the Iowa State Foundation by mail to 2505 University Boulevard, Ames Iowa 50010, or by phone 866-419-6768.
Private family services will be conducted later at a date to be determined.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Marsha Chamberlain
02/03/2021
Kathy and Josh, I was deeply saddened to hear about Willie's passing. My mother Patti also passed in November 2019 from metastatic breast cancer. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Lamberto
06/12/2020
Kathy and Family, So sad to hear about Willie. After graduating from ISU in "68 and I went into the Navy but returned to DSM in 1977 and I bumped into Willie on the steps of City Hall. What a pleasant surprise to see an old friend from our Cyclone days. Always had a kind word and a big smile on his face. He will be missed. God bless.
Ivan Webber
06/04/2020
From 1986 to 1989 I served as Des Moines City Attorney and in such position I knew, worked with and respected Willie. He was a fine public servant and a fine human being. i have only fond memories. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Gloria Conrad
06/03/2020
Dear Kathy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss! Will be keeping all of you in my prayers and am having a candle lit in Willies memory at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C.
Madelyn Tursi
06/01/2020
Kathy and Family,
I was shocked and very saddened to read Willie's obituary in Sunday's Register. I have so many fond memories of working with Willie at the City of DSM. He was a good friend. I hope you and Josh are remembering the love he had for you, and now a grandson. It must be comforting to know that Willie is in a far better place.
Fondly,
Madelyn
Sandy Wells
06/01/2020
My sincere condolences Kathy. He was a lovely soul.
Leota M. Lipovac
06/01/2020
I was so sorry to read of Willie's death in the paper yesterday. He was a wonderful individual with many fine qualities. He was always fair in whatever or with whomever he had to deal with. He never shrank from answering the difficult questions and always told the truth.
I am very sorry for your loss, he left you much too soon.
I worked for the City of Des Moines but in a different department.
In friendship,
Leota
Rudolph Simms Jr
06/01/2020
My condolences to the family of Willie Robinson!
This was sad for me to hear. Willie and I go way back to his Iowa DOT days where he help me in many ways with Compliance issues. Later he served on the Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Directors as a Founding member of the Martin Luther King Scholarship8 Fund, Inc. He was always a supportive positive person and many will miss his wisdom.
Sherry Wright
06/01/2020
Kathy and Josh, Im so very sorry to hear of the loss of Willie. You are in my heart & prayers. Much Love, your cousin Sherry
Donna Bruns Harms
06/01/2020
Kathy and Josh: So sorry about your loss of Willie. I will keep you all in my prayers and heart. He was a sweet gentle spirit. I love you.
Cousin Donna
KEVIN POKORNY
05/31/2020
I met Willie in the 1980's when he was the EO Director for City of Des Moines and I was with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. We teamed up to do sexual harassment training for the DSM police department and EEO training for city staff. We continued our friendship after that seeing each other at conferences, etc. When he retired we would run into each other at neighborhood stores. Willie was one of the most kindest and calmest people I've met. We would have candid conversations about race issues and our conversations were always respectful. He supported me in my civil rights work I was doing and was a welcomed friend. I just really respected him. Blessings to your family.
Judy Bradshaw
05/31/2020
Kathleen and Joshua, I want to express my condolences to you both during your time of grief. Willie's strength was exhibited in his gentle, quiet, manner. I worked with him throughout my career and was inspired by his consistent and powerful message for equality and acceptance for all people.
Michael Dubuisson
05/31/2020
I have to admit I really never got to know him as I should have as together we shared as grandfathers the greatest little guy, Joshua M Robinson. He did a fine job raising his son who is now my son-in-law and whom will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace
Tom Turner
05/29/2020
Kathleen and family:
I am so sorry to read of Willies passing. I had the pleasure of working with Willie for nearly 10 years at the city. He was a great co-worker with a passion for fair treatment of employees and applicants. He provided wise counsel and was willing to tackle the most difficult issues. He was so very proud of his champion Great Danes. He gave me the run down of the competitions and some of the extra steps he would take to gain the right number of points. His competitive spirit ran deep and the show dog arena was his new football field. Please accept my condolences and may Willie rest easy in the arms of Jesus.
Herb(Jr) and Marcie Pearl
05/29/2020
Kathy and the Robinson family, we were so sorry to hear of Willie Eds passing. You have our Sympathy and deepest Prayers. We have some of the fondest memories with you and Willie Ed from our days at Iowa State. Those were some very Blessed Days. May you continue to be strong and the Lord be with you at this trying time.