Hugh Robinson

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Hugh V. “Sonny” Robinson Jr, 87 of Pittsburg, KS, fulflled his agricultural broadcaster circle of life and “gone into the fertilizer business” on December 18, 2024, just to finally validate that VA paperwork that has had him marked as “deceased” for years.

Hugh came into this world March 8, 1937, on a rail car to Noreen and Hugh Robinson Sr. He grew up in several places, but continued to call Arlington, VA his hometown and was immensely proud later in life to have a granddaughter who moved close by. On paper, his life was out of an action novel, but he rarely talked about the adventures that he experienced. 

A military man, he was in the U.S. Marine Reserves before entering the Navy. During the Korean Conflict he was stationed aboard the USS John R. Pierce where endured an explosion on board, then survived two plane crashes. One crash in Korea, and one when he worked for a smaller airline where he helped rescue passengers and crew members, despite being injured himself. Later he went as “viral” as you could in small town Kansas for riding out a tornado in a water filled ditch while live on the radio.When he retired from the second airline, he settled into what he referred to his “career.” 

He became an Agricultural Broadcaster in the late 70s with Dan Willis at KKOW in Pittsburg, KS where the two are credited with creating the “Four States Farm Show” and, until the years caught up with him, Hugh loved to go out and visit with folks there. His broadcasting career took him to exotic places such as China, Colorado, as well as Kennett and Sikeston in the bootheel of Missouri. 

In discussing his life, there is one thing that just about everyone mentions. They mention his “Pride & Joy.” Reading this, you may realize that you have inadvertently met Hugh at some point in your life. Hugh’s favorite gag was to ask you if you would like to see a “Picture of his Pride & Joy,” as if anyone could refuse someone so excited, he would proceed to show you a photo of Pride Furniture Wax and Joy Dish soap with a sparkle in his eye. His family has been known to see an occasional post about the “Pride and Joy” guy on social media and claim him as their own. Other enchantments included making pennies 6y around the room and one involved a funnel, a nickel on your forehead, and some REALLY cold water. You always had to stay on your toes if Hugh Robinson was around.

Hugh married Myrna Dringenberg on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1959, proving to everyone that he was a great decision maker. Their grandchildren simply assumed her other name was “Sweetness” since that is how he always referred to her. The two met working at Ozark Airlines in 1958 where they were thrown together for situations at weird hours and, on a whim, they bought some rings on a whim and somehow, he convinced her to marry him! 

Myrna survives the home with the dog, Spook, who will miss the snacks from Hugh’s plate and has already lost weight. Other survivors include his sister, Christine Robinson, the couple’s three children James “Jim” Robinson, William “Bill” Robinson, and Mary Robinson. Myrna and Huey had ve grandchildren, but he was especially lucky to have ALL granddaughters! His brother, Harry “Robbie” Robinson, preceded him in death.Per the family’s wishes, there will be no ceremony. In lieu of flowers Hugh’s loved ones ask that you try to make someone smile today.