Scott M Robinson

Scott Merle Robinson Sr. was born Oct. 24, 1932, to William and Eldora Robinson. Five children were born to this union: Madeline, William Jr., Christine, Ethel May and Scott. Scott graduated from Sumner High School Class of 1950 and married the love of his life Betty E. Clark the same year. To this union five children were born. Scott Jr., Rosalyn, Lloyd, Kim and Michael. Scott began his early career at the Fox Manufacturing Company which at the time only allowed African Americans to be pressers or packers in the garment industry. That didn't stop Scott. He progressed to a shipping clerk and learned how to make markers and cut the fabric in multiple layers and he became the first African American nationally admitted to the cutters union despite death threats. He left Fox in 1955 and worked nine months for Bendix then the Camille Azar Company which made women's robes. Scott had to fight the union to receive union salary. After Azar went out of business Scott applied for a job at Mendel's. Mr. Silverman, owner of Mendel's hired Scott in spite of all the cutters threatening to quit. Scott continued to work for Mendel's where he was treated like royalty until he left in the 70's and went to work for New York Life Insurance Company. There he became "Rookie of the Year" by making the Million Dollar Club selling insurance. Scott also at this time decided to go back to school attending junior college and graduated with a 3.55 grade point average. He always wanted to own his own garment business so he purchased the Fox Manufacturing Company in 1978 and continued to run the business making ladies suits and dresses until 1982. His best-selling garment is on display today in the Historic Kansas City Garment District Museum. Scott's complete history in the garment industry is available in a book "We Were Hanging By The Thread" published in 2013 by Ann Brownfield and David W. Jackson. Scott closed his factory and went to work for the Lake City Ammunitions Plant where he became a foreman. After retiring from Lake City, Scott golded cars and did picture framing. Scott attended the Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. His grandfather, Wade Scott was one of the church founders. Scott had a love for Christ and his church. He served in the capacity of trustee, member of the church executive board and dedicated many years serving on his beloved finance committee and in support of his Pastor, Ricky Turner who he loved dearly. Scott had a love for basketball all his life and spent years balling on the playground with some of the greatest basketball players Kansas City had ever seen. In the 60's, he coached basketball at St. Patrick's grade school which his children attended. His team won two city championships during this time. Scott had a passion for his Kansas Jayhawks and was unavailable during the "The Big Dance" so he could watch his team. He was preceded in death by his parents; all his siblings and his son, Michael Robinson. Scott departed this life Thursday, September 4, 2014. He will be missed by his wife of 63 years, Betty; his children, Scott Robinson, Jr. (Deborah), Rosalyn Ward (Raymond), Lloyd Robinson (Joyce), and Kim Robinson (Tamara); his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews cousins, special niece, Morcie Whitley, his buddy, Butch Willis and a host of friends. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com as burial arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street in Kansas City, Kansas (913)334-3366.