Robin Smith
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Celebration of Life for Warren “Robin” Smith, 80, Lawrence will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Johnny’s Tavern in North Lawrence. Robin passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Robin was born on June 20, 1944, in Topeka, KS the son of Robert E. and Elsie M. (Reilly) Smith.
He graduated from Topeka High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Washburn University, he later received his master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas.
He began a career in Social Work as a case worker for the State of Kansas in Kansas City. After earning his Master’s degree he worked as a policy writer for SRS. Eventually he took on new responsibilities with the State working for the Child Support Enforcement division. After 30 years in public service, he retired from the State in 1999.
In his younger years, he enjoyed restoring cars with his dad and refurbishing antique furniture. He was an avid sailor and a member and former Commodore of the Shawnee Yacht Club in Topeka. After retiring he and several friends built a workshop which became the center of his retirement years. From that workshop, he cared for his grandchildren, took on carpentry and wood working projects, and hosted many visitors for good conversation and cold beer.
He married Shirley Hendricks Martin on April 28, 1984, in Topeka, KS. They were introduced by a neighbor and went on their first date the next day. She became his sailing crew. While he was an avid sailor, he wasn’t the fastest on the lake. After they were married, he named his boat, “Slowly but Shirley…and Robin.”
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Robin was loved by all who met him. He was clever, had a great sense of humor, and was always quick with a pun.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Martin-Smith; children, Tim (Eydie Jones) Martin, Lori (Eric) MacDonald, and Robert L. Smith; brother, Terry (Marcia) Smith; sister-in-law, Lois Smith; grandchildren, Spencer (Veronica) MacDonald, Maura MacDonald, and Reagan MacDonald.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Dwane Peaslee Technical Training Center c/o Douglas County Community Foundation, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, and The Cottonwood Foundation Endowment Fund, and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com.
Shirley, I am so shocked and deeply saddened to learn of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy,
Linda and Scott
Shirley and family,
Patsy and I are so sorry to read of Robin’s death. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. It was a joy to have known him and a blessing. He always brought out the best in people and he shall be missed.
Deepest condolences,
Bob & Patsy
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Robin. Offering our prayers and comfort during this time of healing.
Shirley, Lori and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that really help in these times. The best I can do is to quote the apostle Paul “Nothing in life or death can separate us from the love of God.”
Shirley and Lori, so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have known Robin, a witty, kind, and wonderful man. Sending you all love and hugs.
What a beautiful testament to his amazing life! We were blessed to call him Uncle Robin! We have so many fond memories of him especially At Christmas and July 4th and the summer I lived with you both. We will miss his humor and fun conversations. All our love to you and the family. We love you Uncle Robin. You will always be remembered.
Dear Shirley
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Robin. He was such a fun man to be around and will be very missed.
Allan & Chris Towle, SYC
Shirley and family, i am sorry for your loss. I worked with Robin in SRS and
trimmed his trees a number of times. He will be missed.
“Shirley and family – We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your loved one, Robin. We are praying for your comfort and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Shirley, I am so very sorry. I enjoyed knowing him through you – a special guy. Peace to all who love him – especially you. Cindy
Shirley, Little did I realize when we talked two weeks ago that Robin’s passing was so near. You have lost a wonderful partner while the rest of us have lost a special friend. Mary Kate joins me in sending you our love and sympathy.
Dave
Lori , Eric and family,
So very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as well as your extended family. Many hugs to you all.
Shirley and Family, I had the pleasure of working with Robin at SRS for the Child Support Office. Robin was such a fun person and always had a smile. He would light up the room. I remember playing volleyball with him and a group of coworkers over our noon hour for exercise. We had a lot of fun. Robin was a great friend and person. He will be missed by all who knew him.
What a wonderful tribute to a great man. He taught me a few things about sailing. I never knew the name of his sail boat though~clever as always. Many beers came up those stairs from that old fridge. Very fond memories. Thinking of your entire family 💕
Shirley I am so sorry for your family’s loss. It is really a loss to all who knew him. He was a nice person and so smart as well as being a wit. Families who received assistance in Kansas and staff who determined eligibility for public assistance programs were better off because of his wisdom and thoughtfulness in the program regulations and policy he developed. He was respected and admired by those he knew or worked with. He will be missed even by those of us who didn’t see him often in recent years. My thoughts are with you.
Shirley, Lori & Tim,
I am so sorry to hear about Robin. Although I hadn’t seen him in years, I always liked him. I’m glad you had each other for so long.
My love to you all.
Shirley: So sorry to hear of Robin’s passing.
What a fun and pleasant friend he was to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
We always remember him with special fondness whenever we look at our dining room table ….as you will understand!
Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. May all the great memories sustain you all!
Don & Alice Ann Johnston
Shirey and Family members,
Monte and I will miss Robin with his warm, easy smile and wonderful sense of humor. I remember the times I spent with him and the grandkids in his workshop; he made our home warmer and more welcoming with the wall of book shelves in installed in our basement. We enjoy them every day. He was a very special person and a perfect partner for you! Hugs, Jean Milstead
Dear Shirley, Lori, Tim, and Family,
We have such fond memories of Robin. He and I started work at KCK SRS on the same day, and although we eventually went our separate ways, we often crossed paths through work. Outside of work, there were dinners, canoe trips, house painting and moving “parties”, and a sailing expedition at Lake Shawnee where David crewed for Robin. He had posterior bruises for quite some time afterward. We were so happy for Robin when you and he found each other. You all were a wonderfully close crew, and your beautiful home was a great gathering place for friends. You were always such caring friends in time of need, like when we had a flooded house and my mother died shortly thereafter. We would’ve been lost without your kind help and incredible organizational skills. We hadn’t seen you much in recent years, but we thought of you often. We are so sorry for your loss.
Judy & David Stutenroth