Dennis Robinson

Dennis Eugene Robinson, 76, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, passed from this earthly life on December 20, 2025, at 12:30 a.m. in Tulsa. He was born on June 16, 1949, in Heavener, Oklahoma, to Delmer and Retha-Jean (Hall) Robinson.

Dennis was a devoted member and deacon of the Glenpool Church of Christ. On Sunday mornings, Mr. Dennis, AKA Papa Dennis or “Sucker Man” looked forward to handing out Tootsie Pops to the kids. He actually preferred “Candyman” to “Sucker Man”!

Raised on a ranch near Wister, Oklahoma, Dennis learned the value of hard work early, helping with hay and bottle-feeding calves. He attended all twelve years of school in Fanshawe. At the age of 18, he volunteered for the draft and proudly served his country in Vietnam.

After returning from military service, Dennis worked as a welder before beginning a long and distinguished career as a coal miner. He had an exceptional talent for repairing equipment and could fix nearly anything that rolled onto mine property. Before the age of 30, he became the youngest Chief Electrician in Peabody Coal Company’s history. His expertise eventually took him to the United Kingdom, where he served as a mine consultant. After 30 years with Peabody Coal, Dennis retired and later worked as a federal mine inspector. Even after two retirements, he continued teaching electrical retraining classes. Somehow, he still found time to travel and enjoy his beloved classic cars.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Kay (McDonald) Robinson; his son, Joshua Eugene Robinson of Guthrie; his daughter, Polly Robinson-Baxter; and his granddaughter, Adilyn-Kate Robinson-Baxter. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Jim Horne; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jo and David Perryman of Blanchard; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his Aunt Ruby Jones of Sand Springs.

Funeral services were held on December 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Glenpool Church of Christ. Interment followed at Summerfield Cemetery in Wister. Pallbearers were Colton Horne, Tristan Moore, Travis Cackler, Larry Kimmel, Jerry Camp, and Steven Wetzel. The eulogy was delivered by Randall Smith.

Dennis will be deeply missed.