Cleveland B. Robinson, Jr.

Born on January 12, 1943 in Columbus, Mississippi to Meria Hamilton Burr and Cleveland Robinson, Sr., Cleveland lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unshakable faith.

Cleveland spent the majority of his childhood years in Gary, Indiana. He attended Roosevelt High School, where he was a proud member of the graduating class of 1963. He was a highly regarded athlete and excelled in football. He was also a state champion wrestler. Due to his incomparable athletic abilities, he later received a full-ride football scholarship to South Carolina State University. Cleveland played football for 4 years for SCSU, where he graduated with a degree in biology. His ties stayed strong to his high school alma mater; so strong, in fact, that he was an active member of the social club, comprised of high school alumni called The Oasis Club that spanned decades.

In 1975, Cleveland was set-up on a blind date by his cousin, George. Having been previously married, he did not expect to form a connection with the foreign beauty from Panama. However, they indeed connected and, in 1977, Cleveland and Veronica A. Jamieson decided to make it “official” and got married in a simple, but lovely civil ceremony. Cleveland and Veronica brought one child each from previous unions into the marriage; Cleveland’s daughter, Tonya (born in 1969) and Veronica’s daughter, Twana (born in 1971). Together they welcomed two children, Daree in 1978, and Darnell in 1981.

Cleveland had a vibrant and multi-faceted set of careers. He was a professional football player, briefly playing for the Detroit Lions. Over the years, he also sold insurance, worked at the Lever Brothers factory, taught biology, and was a top salesman for a variety of corporations. Cleveland spent the bulk of his final professional years as a recreational therapist at Westville Correctional Facility and, after retirement, he even drove for Uber and Lyft.

Cleveland wore many hats: husband, dad, brother, son, friend, Cleve, CB, Sonny, Coach, and Veronica’s personal favorite, “My Big Teddy Bear.” He served the community in a myriad of capacities. He was a Pop Warner football coach for his son's, Darnell, teams over the years and a cub scout leader. He even managed to volunteer at Methodists Hospital in his spare time. As a longstanding member of Apostolic Faith Church (43 years), he served on the brotherhood committee, the kitchen staff, as an altar worker, on the church security team, and sang in the choir. In recognition of his years of service to the church, he was even awarded the Barnabas Award. His belief in the power of prayer and his dedication to his church and family were constants in his life. He found immense joy in his spiritual community, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word.

As a man of many skills and talents, on any given day, Cleveland could be found indulging in one of his many hobbies, from commanding the grill and making fall-of-the bone goodness, or frying up the most succulent catfish, to leather crafting in his basement workshop, playing racquetball, dominos, chess, or taking fantastical road trips. He loved friendly competition in just about any game and a chance to earn bragging rights as the grand champion. A true sports enthusiast, Cleveland was an avid football fan. His passion for the game was matched only by his knack for providing running commentary that could rival professional sportscasters as he cheered on his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. However, nothing captured his heart like fishing. Cleveland was a passionate fisherman. He spent many early mornings on the water, finding God’s peace and joy in nature’s embrace. His family and friends enjoyed countless dinners of fresh catch, always accompanied by Cleveland’s stories of the day’s adventures.

He was preceded to heaven by his mother, Meria Burr; his father, Cleveland Robinson, Sr.; his brother, Jessie Burr, Jr.; and his sister, Diane Burr. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Veronica; his children, Daree Austin (and Aaron) of Merrillville, Darnell (and Nicole) of Maryland, Twana Davis (and James) of Houston, and Tonya Robinson; his sister, Peggy Hairston of Chicago, IL; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several cousins; as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

While we have lost our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, many more have lost a friend in him. He has been a rock to many…a fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). He is reunited with his loved ones in heaven, where the games are always thrilling and the fish are always biting.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Cleveland's life on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. The Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the Service starting at 11:00 AM. Following the Service, there will be a time of food and fellowship from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. A Committal Service will then take place at 2:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, located at the same address.

Everyone is welcome to join us in honoring Cleveland by wearing his favorite colors, black and red.

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