SYRACUSE – The Rev. Kennard E. “Ken” Robinson, 86, Syracuse, passed away Oct. 18, 2013. He was born Oct. 18, 1927, in Holland, Ohio to Don and Ida Rugar Robinson. In 1952 he married Ruth Strohm, who preceded him in death in 2007. He graduated from Crown College, Minneapolis, Minn., with a major in theology and missions. He received his bachelor’s degree at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn. He then earned his bachelor of divinity degree at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul. He went on to earn a master of divinity degree at Evangelical Theological Seminary, Naperville, Ill. He was interim pastor for the Syracuse Church of God from 1977-1978. He served as chaplain at Goshen Hospital, as well as interim pastor of Mt. Tabor Church. He served as the pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church for 14 years, retiring in 1992. He, along with August Lundquist, founded the Boat-In Worship services held on the Oakwood pier – a unique type of service held on water, the first of its kind in the state of Indiana and still very popular today. He was the host pastor to the Indiana North Annual Conference held at Oakwood for nine years. He served on numerous board committees and missions throughout his lengthy career. He received the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International. He was also a licensed pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn (and spouse Gordon) Simpson, Toledo, Ohio; two nieces, Sherrie (and spouse Mike) Turner, Elgin, Ill., and Kellie (and spouse Jim) Fuelling, Toledo; one great-niece, Brittney (and spouse Josh) Langley; three great-nephews: Shannon (and spouse Chrissy Adam) Schumaker, Jordan Riffle and Bryson Turner. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse. Burial will follow in Syracuse Cemetery. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Eastlund Funeral Home, 7458 E. 1000N, Syracuse, and from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church Saturday. ***** Memorials to Calvary United Methodist Church or to donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via eastlundfuneralhome.com
