Robinson leaves legacy of service

Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute

Marion County mourns the loss of one its biggest champions and most influential civil rights activist this week. 

Former Marion County Commissioner and Jefferson civic leader Eugene Robinson passed away on April 30. 

“He was an influential man, a respected man and a man of the highest character. He cared for his community and left Marion County a better place than he found it,” said Marion County Tax Accessor/ Collector Karen Jones.  

He was born on July 12, 1931 in Wynne, Arkansas.

Before settling in Jefferson, Robinson served as a Medic in the United States Army from 1954-1956. 

He met his future wife Eugene Ida M. Robinson later while attending Texas College in Tyler. 

They married on July 29, 1961. 

Mr. Robinson received a Masters Degree in Education from Texas College.

He first worked as a teacher in Jefferson.

He was later employed by Blackburn Syrup and Thiokol Ammunition before seeking public office.

Mr. Robinson is the only African American to have been elected County Commissioner in Marion County. 

He is only one of a few African Americans to her ever been elected to a County office. 

Mr Robinson is remembered as being  influential in the desegregation of Jefferson I.S.D.

“Eugene was also instrumental ensuring full voter enfranchisement of the African American community in Marion County,” Jones said. “He was a tireless servant and an emphatic soul.” 

He served as President of the Marion County NAACP. 

Mr. Robinson was a longtime member of the Shady Grove Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ida M. Robinson, their children, great-grandchildren and a sister.  

Moreover, he is survived by a lasting legacy of service and stewardship to Marion County. 

“Mr. Robinson was always very nice and wanting to help anyway he could,” said Jefferson City Secretary Doris Hines. “He was someone I always looked up to and admired.”

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8 at Shady Grove Church of Christ and a repast will follow.

Read Mr. Robinson’s full obituary elsewhere on this website.