Search by Name

Search by Name

Leon Robinson Obituary

Robinson, Jr., Leon G. "Sonny" Age 90, passed away peacefully in his Florida home, surrounded by close family and friends. Beloved husband of Alice Phillips for 65 years; devoted father of Lynn Robinson Philips; and cherished grandfather "Papa" of Bryson and Brielle Phillips. He is survived by his sister, Rita B. Turner; and many loving relatives and friends. Born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Leon co-founded Robinson Enterprises with his parents, Leon, Sr. and Josephine, and his brother, Roy, who all preceded him in death. Robinson Transportation consisted of school buses and motor coaches and was one of the first and largest African American owned transportation carriers in the United States. Under Leon's leadership, Robinson Enterprises continued to maintain a strong presence in the Evanston residential, commercial, and industrial real estate market. Leon constantly gave back to the community that has given him so much throughout the years. During his career, he served as President of the National School Transportation Association, was a board member at Evanston First Bank and Trust, Evanston Chamber of Commerce and Evanston Hospital, as well as served on many public and private boards and always advocated for the betterment of mankind. Leon was a lifelong member of Ebenezer AME church and was active in many social clubs. Services will be held at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1109 Emerson St., Evanston, IL 60201. Wake on Friday, June 21, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vistiation on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., and Celebration of Life at 1:30 p.m. Interment immediately following at Sunset Memorial Lawns, 3100 Shermer Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Leon G. Robinson, Jr.'s name to Gift of Hope Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Robinson

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





Peter Flemister

June 24, 2019

'We are such stuff as dreams are made upon. And our life is rounded with a sleep' from 'The Tempest' Act IV Scene 1 William Shakespeare

Cousin Sonny you were our family Great Knight and Prince Patriarch.

June 22, 2019

Leon brought so much love to us, he'll live in our hearts forever. Our prayers go out to all the family.
Love, Joann, Jackie and Shelley Richardson

Porta Thompson

June 22, 2019

To the Robinson Family: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Miami FL connection will truly miss Mr, Leon Robinson. I feel so very fortunate to have known such a gentleman.

Joyce Mims

June 21, 2019

Blessings on this revered family in their loss.

June 21, 2019

Lynn and the entire Robinson Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Robinson was a loving, supportive, first class gentleman who all admired. A genuine role model. He will be missed and remain highly regarded forever. We admired him so much. George Stone and staff.

Barbara Woodards

June 20, 2019

Lynn, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are praying for you along with your entire family. May the Lord provide strength as you travel through this period of grieving.

A D

June 19, 2019

Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3)

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

Lisa Lackey

June 19, 2019

June 18, 2019

I'm sorry for your loss.May the pain you feel from the loss of Leon be
short lived as you look forward to God's promise become a reality at
Hosea13:14.

Peter Flemister

June 18, 2019

God bless and keep you Cousin Sonny.

You were always there for me when my mother, aunts and uncles passed on. You were the beloved patriarch of our blood family clan.

While my heart has fallen to the ground, I assume that we will meet again in the hereafter.

You will be with my great grandmother Chlorie Edens and my mother Ruth Sizemore.

No good by. See you later.

Nikki and Phil, Meagan, Kelsi, Bonnie Ephraim

June 17, 2019

We are the proud neighbors of Sonny and Alice. They were the best neighbors anyone could have imagined. We will miss his bright smile, as he always rolled down his window, and asked about our family.
Leon was one of the most distinguished gentleman ever to walk this earth. We will always miss him.

J W

June 17, 2019

My condolences go out to the family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you have with Leon. When we lose a dear loved one in death it is one of the hardest things to get through. So support one another. And may you receive comfort from our Heavenly Father.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Jane

June 17, 2019

My condolence to the family and friend of Leon Robinson. May the God of all comfort give you his peace as you mourn. His words at John 6:40.

Daniel Griffiths

June 17, 2019

Leon,
I first met you May 18th of 2005. The day before was a long day for the both of us. That was a little over 14 years ago and I was honored to meet you. We will always share a special relationship. The Bible says there is a life after death and I hope to see you again. You work hard all your life for your family and community. Now it's time to rest. Rest in peace my friend untill we meet again.

June 16, 2019

Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time of sorrow.

A P

June 15, 2019

To the Family: Life is like a mist. Its here today and gone tomorrow. So cherish the joyful memories you can still hold on to. Continue to stay close and pray for each other to give comfort, along with heartfelt prayers and loving support from friends to give your hearts enough room to cope with your loss. (Psalms 119:32)

Ralph Johnson

June 15, 2019

Great Gentleman and friend, I met 15 years ago and enjoyed the Many Superbowl parties here in south Florida along with the Jazz events. Rest in Peace.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in Leon Robinson's name

Memorial Events
for Leon Robinson

Jun

21

Wake

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church

1109 Emerson St, Evanston, IL

Jun

22

Visitation

1:00 p.m.

Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church

1109 Emerson St, Evanston, IL

Jun

22

Celebration of Life

1:30 p.m.

Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church

1109 Emerson St, Evanston, IL

Jun

22

Interment

Sunset Memorial Lawns

3100 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL

How to support Leon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Leon Robinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more