Dr. Earle U. Robinson, Jr.

Dr. Earle U Robinson Jr., 92 of Indianapolis passed away March 9, 2024.
Quote from the Uriah Chronicles:
“There’s a saying that life is a journey and any journey begins with the first step. Life is a journey that begins with birth and ends in death and the space in between is the tale.”

Dr. Earle U Robinson Jr.’s life is a tale to be told. His journey began in Atlantic City, NJ in 1932 born during the depression to Earle and Gwendolyn Robinson. He grew up in an extended family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Earle developed his love of family, learning and storytelling during this time. He had a voracious appetite for learning and sharing his knowledge with others.

Earle graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1958 and followed in his father’s footsteps to become a 2nd generation physician. He specialized in Obstetrics/Gynecology and served the Indianapolis community for over 50 years. He was a trailblazer as a physician and an advocate for women’s reproductive rights. Dr. Robinson introduced groundbreaking surgery to the medical community at Methodist Hospital, after traveling to Germany to learn a revolutionary procedure Pelviscopy. Dr. Robinson was the first Indiana physician to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a procedure that offered less recovery time and reduced the chances of infections. Dr. Robinson was the Associate Director of Gynecological Surgery Education at Methodist Hospital for 17 years. He was recognized as the Distinguished Professor of the Year (1989-1990).

Dr. Robinson was an amazing historian and storyteller who collaborated with his daughter Rebecca Robinson to create the documentary “The Color of Medicine”. The documentary tells the story of Homer G. Phillips hospital in St Louis, MO, which served as the preeminent training hospital for black physicians and nurses during segregation. Dr. Robinson and his father Dr. Earle U. Robinson Sr. both completed their medical training at Homer G. Phillips.

Earle is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rena; and parents, Earle and Gwendolyn. He is survived by his brother, Bruce Robinson (Donna); daughters, Rebecca Robinson, Diane King, and Michelle Smith (Lance); sons, Earle Robinson, Kenneth Robinson (Angie), and Timothy Robinson (Ellen); grandchildren, Steven Shumate (Michelle), Ashaya Robinson (Eugene), Malcolm Robinson, Dion King, Dacia Pope (Kelsey), Devin King, Daine King, Maren Robinson, and Miles Robinson; and great-grandchildren, Shiloh Kirk, Kingston Shumate and Knight Pope.

Earle was so many things to so many people. A husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, friend, historian, leader and teacher. He will be missed by his family, friends and community.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. 

In lieu of flowers, private donations may be made directly to Rebecca Robinson.  A scholarship is being created in Dr. Robinson's name and details for donating to this fund are being established. The family wishes to thank you in advance for your support of this cause.