Larry Lee Robinson, 81, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Midland Care Hospice surrounded by his daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters.
He was born May 22, 1941, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Roy Gene and Elora (Devine) Robinson. He graduated from Pawnee Rock High School in 1959. He served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967 as a unit health technician where he earned a National Defense Service Medal.
Larry was married to Judy Bass and they had one daughter together, born in 1971; they later divorced. Larry lived in Anaheim, Calif. for many years before returning to Kansas. Larry was employed as an automotive salesman by Marmie Motors in Great Bend, Kan. for 18 years, retiring in 2009. He then moved to Topeka to be closer to his daughter and her family.
Larry was a member of Christ the King Church in Topeka, Kan.
Survivors include his daughter Holly Rivera (Matthew) of Topeka; granddaughter Madeline Rivera (25) of Lawrence, Kan., granddaughter Gabriela Rivera (22) of Lawrence, Kan., and granddaughter Eva Rivera (15) of Topeka. He was preceded in death by both parents; brothers Ray and Ronald Robinson; and former wife Judy Bass-Schimmel.
Larry enjoyed cars, cooking, football, history, watching the news, talking with other veterans and spending time with his granddaughters whom he adored beyond measure. He was always called “Papa Larry” by those who loved him best. Larry had the gift of gab and did not know a stranger.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. At 11 a.m. graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th Street in Topeka. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on March 11th back at the Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Medical Center, 2200 SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66622. Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel
3700 SW Wanamaker
Topeka, KS 66610
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2023
