Donald Lee Robinson

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Donald Robinson funeral service

 

Life Story 

 

Donald Lee Robinson began his earthly journey on June 2, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the first of four children born to the union of Irene and Alvin Robinson, Sr. His birth was followed by siblings Velma, Alvin, Jr., and Geraldine. Donald attended Lincoln Elementary and McMichael Intermediate schools in Detroit. He was a proud graduate of Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, where he majored in the commercial art curriculum and played the viola. Donald became known by the nickname “Deke”, and friends often joked “here comes Deke with his squeak” in reference to the instrument he toted around. He also competed in sports at Cass Tech, excelling in the long jump. Faith-guided, Donald attended Detroit’s Ebenezer AME Church in his earlier years and was most recently a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

Donald served in the U.S. Army shortly after high school graduation. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Detroit and completed courses at Wayne State University and a commercial art school. In September 1957, Donald joined the Detroit Fire Department where he embarked on a dynamic and fulfilling 35-year career of public service to the people of the city. He was first a firefighter and later became a fire inspector. In September 1974, then Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young appointed Donald as the Fire Marshal for the city where he led the fire prevention and arson sections of the department. As the first African American Fire Marshal of a major U.S. city, Donald served with passion, vigor, and commitment until his retirement in June 1992.

It was love at first sight when Donald met Barbara Nell Burnette in Detroit. On September 27, 1958, they were married in Yazoo City, Mississippi. The over 63 years they devotedly shared were, in the words of Barbara’s mother, "a beautiful life to live.” Three children were born to their union: Donna Rose, Donald Christopher, and Anthony Martin.

Donald was a talented artist and photographer who had a deep admiration for the creative expressions of others. He was a music enthusiast and vocalist, drawn to the syncopation of jazz rhythms, the harmonic melodies of the classical, and the rooted history of perseverance that the Negro spirituals evoke. Singing along with his wife in the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and later leading that organization as its executive director was a passion and joy. Donald contributed time and energy to additional boards and committees related to profession, community, and other interests. He actively participated in sports, including basketball, tennis, and skiing, and was an avid golfer who “at last” hit a hole-in- one at the age of 80. Donald exhibited a profound and loving commitment to his family, cherishing each gathering and one-on-one exchange, and continuously imparting knowledge, wisdom, history, culture, and humor. He was a true mentor to many.

Donald transitioned from the physical on January 6, 2022. Preceding him in everlasting life are his parents and sister, Geraldine (Charles, III) Harris. Lovingly celebrating Donald are his wife Barbara Robinson; children Donna Rose Robinson (Otis) Milhouse, Donald Christopher Robinson and Anthony Martin (Geneene) Robinson; five grandchildren, Justin Milhouse, Natalie Milhouse, Jasmine (Brandon) Spivey, Jessica Gray, and Anthony Edward Robinson; one great- grandchild, Kinsley Spivey; siblings Velma Mae Jones and Alvin (Janell) Robinson, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

 

 

Interment:

Elmwood Cemetery 

Detroit, Michigan