John R. Robinson

John R. Robinson, 73, of Morehead, Kentucky, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 30, 2026, after an extended illness.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheree J. (Milner) Robinson; three children, Lisa M. Robinson, Janis Nell Milner, and Dr. Eric J. (Alexandria) Robinson; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Joshua, Emily, Logan, Kaylee Jayne, Jaycee, Johnny, and Everett. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Larry) Klingenberg, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marie Robinson.

John was born in Covington, Kentucky, and graduated from Holmes High School in 1971. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University in 1976 and began his banking career at Peoples Liberty Bank & Trust Company. In 1979, he moved to Newport National Bank, continuing to build his expertise in the field. He completed the Dale Carnegie Customer Relations and Personnel Development Course in 1982 and graduated from the Kentucky School of Banking at the University of Kentucky in 1983. He also served as Director of the Northeast Chapter of the Bank Administration Institute.

In September 1984, John was recruited as one of the first vice presidents of Morehead National Bank, later known as Whitaker Bank. Throughout his career and life, he demonstrated exceptional dedication to his profession and community.

John was deeply involved in the Morehead/Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, serving on its Executive Board for over 15 years and as President from 1992–1993. During that time, he was honored with the Key to the City of Morehead and also served as President of Kiwanis. He completed the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in 1992.

His commitment to community service earned him numerous recognitions, including the Chamber’s Board Award (1998–1999), the Service-Above-Self Award (2002–2003), and, in 2009, the prestigious Ora L. Cline Award for his lasting contributions to making his community a better place to live, work, and visit.

John had a lifelong passion for antiquing. Encouraged by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joseph and Peggy Brockmeyer, he founded his own business, Yesteryears. He played a key role in establishing the annual Antique Show in Morehead, serving as cochairman. After retiring from Whitaker Bank in 2015, he enjoyed working with Mark and Stephanie Kidd at Cave Run Antiques.

His civic involvement extended to serving on the Lakeview Heights City Council and as a founding member of the Kentucky Hardwood Festival Board of Directors, where he contributed in many ways—from parade staging to t-shirt design. He was also involved in the founding of Morehead Tomorrow in 1999 and served on numerous boards, including the National Kidney Foundation (Morehead Chapter), the American Heart Association, and the Gateway Area Development Funding Program. He was also active in the Rails-To-Trails program and the MSU Quarterback Club.

John found great joy in golfing as a member of the Sheltowee Trail Country Club, especially playing alongside his son Eric for many years. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, particularly on their boat at Cave Run Lake.

Though John built many lasting friendships and connections, he expressed a wish not to have a public funeral service. A private ceremony will be held for his immediate family following cremation.

In honor of John’s life and legacy, the family requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in lieu of flowers.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home at 808 Old Flemingsburg Road in Morehead is caring for all arrangements for John R. Robinson.