Rev. Kennard ‘Ken’ Robinson
Reverend Kennard ‘Ken’ Robinson, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2013.
He was born Oct. 18, 1927, in Holland, Ohio, to Don and Ida (Rugar) Robinson.
He graduated from Crown College in Minneapolis, Minn., with a major in Theology and Missions. He received his BA at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. He then earned a BD at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul. He went on to earn his M.Div Degree at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, Ill.
In 1952 he married Ruth Strohm, who preceded him in 2007. He was Interim Pastor for the Syracuse Church of God from 1977-1978. He served as Chaplain at the Goshen Hospital as well as well as Interim Pastor of Mt. Tabor Church. He served as the Pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church for 14 years retiring in 1992.
Ken, along with August Lundquist, founded the Boat-In Worship services held on the Oakwood pier – a unique type of service held on water, the first of its kind in the state of Indiana and still very popular today. He was the host pastor to the Indiana North Annual Conference held at Oakwood for 9 years.
Ken served on numerous board committees and missions throughout his lengthy career. He received the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International.
Ken was also a licensed pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Ken is survived by his sister: Marilyn (Gordon) Simpson, Toledo, Ohio; two nieces: Sherrie (Mike) Turner, Elgin, Ill.; and Kellie (Jim) Fuelling, Toledo; one great-niece: Brittney (Josh) Langley; and three great-nephews: Shannon (Chrissy Adam) Schumaker, Jordan Riffle and Bryson Turner.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse with an additional calling from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will follow at the Syracuse Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.