John E Robinson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John E. Robinson, 63, of Newton, KS, who died on September 24, 2025, after his courageous battle with ALS. John was surrounded by his adoring family and passed peacefully in the arms of his wife, Debbie.

John was born on May 2, 1962, at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas to Roy and Miyoko (Noda) Robinson. John graduated from Sedgwick High School in 1980 where he participated in Football, Basketball, and Track. In 1984, he graduated from Wichita State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and completed the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program. John graduated from Officer Candidate School and served on the USS City of Corpus Christi, a fast attack nuclear submarine. He served nine years of active duty and 13 years as a reservist. John retired as a commander in 2005.

John earned his master’s in business administration in 1992 from the University of West Florida. He also holds a Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University.

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Debbie Little at Sedgwick, Kansas on December 19, 1987. John and Debbie have four children and two grandchildren. Some of John’s greatest joys were spending time with family, sharing meals together, traveling, mentoring others, and talking about sports and politics.

He enjoyed watching, playing, and participating in sporting events, especially if his children were involved. John loved coaching youth sports, and he attended countless swim meets, football, and basketball games, wrestling tournaments, and track meets. John began officiating basketball and football simply for the love of the game. He loved playing golf, collecting golf balls, and woodworking. John exercised religiously, completing marathons, triathlons, and a number of road races. John was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

John worked for Colgate-Palmolive from 1992-2004 where he held a variety of managerial positions. John joined Hospira / Pfizer in McPherson as a Project Engineer in 2004 then became the Production Maintenance and Facilities manager in 2008. John continued to serve Pfizer in a variety of leadership positions until he retired in 2024 as the Director of Vials Visual Inspections and Packaging.

John is survived by his wife Debbie of the home; his children: Tyler Robinson; Hana (Robinson) and Dylan Moore; Joshua Robinson; and Emily (Robinson) and Andrew Roth. Two grandchildren, Miyoko and Aurora Moore and a host of friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy “Rusty” and Miyoko “Cookie” Robinson and his sister, Cindy (Robinson) Rankin.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony with Navy Honors will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Grace Community Church in Newton, Kansas with lunch to follow. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those attending the visitation are invited to wear a Cowboys jersey or football attire representing their favorite team.

Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association or Disabled American Veterans and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.