Gene C. Robinson

To borrow from the parlance of the world of media, Gene C. Robinson has “signed-off” one final time. He left our world with an eye toward heaven on the evening of December 22, 2023, surrounded by family.

Born May 19, 1932, in Peru, Illinois, Gene was the youngest son of Wesley John and Hildegard Gertrude (Damm) Robinson. He married Mary Katherine (Kay) Freeland on January 30, 1954, in Hoopeston, Illinois. Together they raised three children, John, Kathy, and Carol.

As a young man Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army, Gene declined attending Officer Candidate School to marry Kay, the love of his life.

Gene began his career in 1950 as a radio personality at WDAN in his hometown of Danville, Illinois where he returned in 1953 after the Army. There he helped sign on WDAN’s first television station as announcer and salesperson. In 1956, he joined WCIA-TV in Champaign owned by Midwest Television Inc. Demurring his father-in-law John Freeland’s suggestion that he join Freeland Chevrolet, Gene became a mainstay at Midwest Television. He rose from the rank of ‘on-air’ talent and production executive at WCIA in Champaign, to Vice President and General Manager of WMBD TV, AM, and FM radio stations in Peoria. During his years with Midwest, Gene served as Newscaster, News Anchor, Sales Rep, Local Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, Station Manager, and was VP and General Manager of WMBD AM-FM Radio and TV until his retirement in 1997.

In life’s eternal balance, Gene chose family over profession. He relished every moment with his family and wove nightly dinners and reading aloud into the sturdy fabric that held his family close. He infused family gatherings, picnics, and Sunday night suppers with ‘tradition’, wit, and wisdom. He perfected each major role he was given in life – son, son-in-law, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed a good meal and was a notoriously good cook himself. His zest for life was contagious. He enjoyed traveling, and a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. As long as it was five o’clock somewhere, he was known to sip a dry martini from time to time.

His avowed ‘better half’ was his wife of 55 years, Mary Kay Freeland. They became best friends in first grade in Hoopeston, Illinois, and were married there two months after Gene completed his military service. Together, they traveled the world. They played golf, attended the theater, symphony, sporting, and community events together. They did everything together, including raising their three loving children in one accord. Through their shared passion for life and examples of faith, family and community they embodied the true meaning of love.

Gene was proud to be second among four successive generations of Robinson graduates of the University of Illinois, where he received a BA in Radio/TV Communications. He remained a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. He was an Honorary Alumnus of Bradley University. He was a recipient of the Illinois Broadcasters’ Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a devoted supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual telethon, receiving the Association’s Humanitarian of the year Award. He received the Peoria Advertising and Selling Award of Excellence.

Gene cared deeply about the Peoria community and served it well on the Board of Directors of: Proctor Hospital; Creve Coeur Club of Peoria (Past President); Bradley University Chiefs Club; International Advisory Council of Bradley University’s College of Communications and Fine Arts; Illinois Broadcasters Association (Past President); Peoria Chamber of Commerce; Economic Development Council; the Community Partnership; Peoria Advertising Club; Better Business Bureau; Salvation Army; Heart of Illinois United Way; Illinois Heart Association; Peoria YMCA; Central Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Society; Counseling and Family Services; Peoria Symphony Orchestra; Sister Cities Friends of Benxi; Peoria Cable Television Commission; Mayor’s Financial Studies Committee (Vice Chairman); Peoria All-American City Committee (Co-Chairman); Mayor’s Task Force on Jobs; and Peoria Rotary Club. He and Kay were long time members of Mount Hawley Country Club.

Gene infused an air of dignity and class into everything he did in life, and he knew how to make people feel appreciated. His boundless enthusiasm as an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Bradley Braves, and his alma mater the University of Illinois was contagious.

Through faith, stubbornness, and willpower he was able to hold back father time, remaining an influential force in the lives he touched throughout his long life.

Gene is survived by his children, John (Tina) Robinson-Decatur, IL, Katharine (Kent) Francis-Dunlap, IL, and Carol (Patrick) Kearney-Tallahassee, FL.

He reveled in his role as Grandpa Gene to grandchildren, Adam (Ally), Kathleen (Joe), Johnathon (Liz), Christopher, Sean (Cynthia) and Wesley ‘Jamie’; step-grandchildren, Joshua (Ciarra), and Alan (Kari); great-grandchildren, Kai, Aria, Ryan, Cecilia, Clare, Kay, Alina, and Asa; and step-great-grandchildren, Aaron, Layla, Graham, and Coralai.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kay, his parents Wesley and Hilda Robinson, his brothers Donald Robinson and James Robinson, his sister Jane Engdahl, and step-great-grandson Sullivan.

A funeral mass for Gene will be celebrated at 1:30 pm, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Jude Catholic Church with Rev. Austin Bosse officiating. The visitation will be held one hour prior to mass. A Celebration of Life will follow mass, at The Table, 8305 N. Allen Rd.

The arrangements for Gene Charles Robinson are under the care and direction of Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. Cremation will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com for the Robinson family.