Arthur Eugene "Gene" Robinson, Sr.

Arthur Eugene “Gene” Robinson, Sr., 65, was called up to the play for the most prestigious franchise in all of existence on the morning of September 3, 2020 in New Orleans, LA. Beloved husband of Sherryl Pickett “Pickle” Robinson for 43 years. Most beloved father of Lisa Michelle Wissing (Raymond L., Jr.); Arthur Eugene Robinson, Jr., P.E. (Rayna); Monique Marie Pickett; and Betsy Ann Pickett (Ashton). Beloved grandfather “Ba” of 2 grandsons; Reagan Alexander Wissing and Riley Keith Wissing. Beloved brother of Linda Gale Strong; Velma Louise Krcmar (Dale); Alva Keith Robinson, Jr. (Virginia); Richard C. Robinson (Christy); and beloved brother-in-law of Jesse O. Pickett (Deborah). He was preceded in death by his parents Alva Keith Robinson, Sr. and Clare Woody Robinson. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and godchildren. Mr. Robinson graduated from New Bloomfield High School, New Bloomfield, MO. He was drafted out of high school by the St. Louis Cardinals but chose to attend and play baseball at Crowder Jr. College and the University of New Orleans for Coach Ron “Maes” Maestri before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins and making his way through their minor league programs. Most notably he played for the famed 1978 California League Champion Visalia Oaks, a team that has been consistently voted as one of the 100 greatest minor league teams to have ever played. Gene Sr., or “Geno” as he was called back then, went 18-5, tying for the league lead in wins and notching 134 strikeouts in 25 games. It was truly a magical season that he remembered fondly and humbly. Gene, Sr. was rewarded by being selected as the 1978 California League Rookie of the Year, receiving the Eddie Mulligan Award and being named to the 1978 California League All Star Team. After his baseball career came to an end, he made his home in Harvey, LA where he raised his two children amongst his closest friends and their families: Terry and Donna Donahoe and Mike and Neva Shillington, Sr. His nearly 40 year career saw him work for the U.S. Marshal Service and multiple firms in the oil field. He ended his career in the best way imaginable, working with his son at a local firm, Stuart Consulting Group, assisting municipalities along the Gulf Coast in the effort of cleaning up and rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters. This style of work came easily for Gene since it was exactly in keeping with his lifelong message of helping others even before helping himself. He was a native of New Bloomfield, MO and a resident of Harvey, LA for the past 42 years. Gene Sr. was noted by many local doctors as a medical miracle, having survived death over 10 times, always finding the strength to defy the odds and pull through. His bravery and strength in the face of insurmountable odds earned him an extra 13 years on this Earth and a chance to impact even more lives in the process. Always an avid golfer, when he wasn’t helping others, he could be found on the golf course with his friends “The Mules,” even posting a score of 74 just days before his passing. In keeping with his wishes, a small ceremony will be held for immediate family members. Also in keeping with his wishes, a celebration of his life will be scheduled in the near future. All who knew of him and were affected by his presence in this world will be welcome to attend. When trying to capture the essence of what it was to know Gene Robinson, Sr., it seems easiest to let his words explain it. This is taken from an interview he had with Jimmy Smith in the Times-Picayune about his UNO teammates: “I don’t go out to get publicity. I just go to do a job. I want to know myself that I did the job….as long as the team wins, that’s nice. Everybody wants the same thing. We’re just like a family, when someone is down, we can put our arms around him and say, ‘don’t worry about it.’ Not many teams can do that. We’re just a close-knit team…. Everybody has adopted each other. It’s a pleasure to play for a team like this.” No, Gene, BA, dad, husband, teammate, and friend… from all of us who ever knew you, the pleasure was all ours….. “Second Star to the right and straight on until morning….”
Mothe Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com .