Mr. Marvin Robinson

Marvin S. Robinson, II passed away on August 22, 2024, at 8:10pm with his family lovingly by his side. Born on April 15, 1957, in Kansas City, Kansas to Verdis J. and Marvin S. Robinson, Sr., both preceded him in death. Marvin was the fourth of five children: Tyzsu ‘Tody’, Harold ‘Sonny’, Carmen, DeLisa ‘Pizza’. They grew up in the family home lovingly referred to as ‘Lafayette’. Alongside their mother, grandmother, aunt and daily visits from their cousins, ‘The Hendersons’. This was his first community. Marvin gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a lifelong member of Young Memorial Church of God In Christ, always working at whatever his hands found to do. Always ready to lend a helping hand ensuring the church was in tip top shape and volunteered in the food pantry weekly. Marvin was strong- willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart, a warrior, an historian and an advocate for his community, where he remained humbled throughout his life and career. Following in the footsteps of his mother, Marvin was a respected voice in his community and was committed to public service. Marvin was educated in the KCK School District #500 and graduated from Sumner High School in 1975. He attended Emporia State University from 1975-1978 where he pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In 1978, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to the U.S. Navy Training Command Operation as a Specialist. Upon completion of active duty, he attended Temple University of Pennsylvania to study Journalism. In May 1987, this U.S. Navy veteran embarked on a journey that would be his focus for 37 years, his crowned jewel known as the Quindaro Ruins/Underground Railroad. This journey has contributed to the interception of the Kansas State Supreme Court ruling to authorize and approve the Quindaro Ruins/Townsite on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was Marvin’s dedication, passion, persistence, hard work, showing up at weekly city council meetings to not only save the ruins but to prevent the area from becoming a toxic waste landfill, poisoning the surrounding communities. His love and dedication to Quindaro earned him a community title affectionally known as the ‘Mayor of Quindaro’. When you heard the name Marvin Robinson in the state of Kansas, the first thing that came to mind was the Quindaro Ruins. Marvin was elected to serve his community in 2022 as Kansas State Representative, to the 35th District, where he served until his death. During his tenure he served on the Legislative Modernization Committee, General Government Budget Committee and a member of the African American State Caucus. While some of his votes may have been seen as controversial, he sponsored criminal justice bills in the 2024 session, including one that proposed abolishing the death penalty and another that would commute the sentences of people convicted of marijuana-related offenses. In 2023, he secured funding from the GOP leadership for the Quindaro Ruins and supported the bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Marvin did not believe in voting down party lines, he voted in the interest of his community and sometimes that meant reaching across the aisle to best serve his community. Marvin also served as a member on the Board of Economic Opportunity Foundation. Marvin will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them and if you knew Marvin you knew that. His love and admiration for his nieces and nephews; Tiffany Estell, Theodore Coggs, Daron Fowler, Krystin Betts, Farryn Dickson and Savanna Frierson, were more precious than rubies and diamonds. He often expressed how proud he was of them, their accomplishments, careers and choices that they have made as adults. Marvin carried himself with dignity, strength and integrity. He relished and respected those that came before him. He will be remembered for his kindness and courage in adversity. He was bold and unashamed to stand up for his faith and beliefs, no matter the situation. Marvin leaves to mourn one brother, Harold (Peggy) Dwight; three sisters, Tyzsu Coggs, Carmen (Henry) Frierson, DeLisa Fowler-Nunley; seven nieces and nephews, Tiffany, Ted (Tamecia), Daron (James), Krystin, Henry Jr, Farryn (Charles) and Savanna; one aunt, Barbara Young; two uncles, Samuel Young and Eddie Robinson (Debbie); a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends. Marvin, Rest Well In Christ. Matthew 25:23 “His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler of many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11:00am at Young Memorial COGIC. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, KS. Visitation from 9am-11 am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Marvin Robinson

April 15, 1957 - August 22, 2024