Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Ronald “Ron” Lee Robinson, of Etna Green, and affectionately known as “Frog,” passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Ron’s life was defined by service, integrity and love for his family and community. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
He was born on Jan. 22, 1947, in Goshen, to Thomas Edward Robinson and Eleanor Jean Method Robinson. Ron was a proud graduate of Syracuse High School and dedicated his life to public service and his community.
He began his career in 1969 as a deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. In 1975, he became chief of police for Syracuse and later served as captain under Sheriff Al Rovenstine from 1978-1986. Ron was elected Sheriff of Kosciusko County in 1986, serving a four-year term alongside his wife, who worked as matron of the jail. He continued his service as a detective until 1994, when he became Kosciusko County’s first County Administrator, a role he held until his retirement in 2016.
Ron’s commitment to helping others extended far beyond his career. He was a graduate of the first EMT class in Kosciusko County and volunteered with Harris Ambulance Service and Funeral Home. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Syracuse and contributed his time to numerous boards, including the Kosciusko Community Hospital Board, where he served as president, Multi-Township EMS, and most recently, the Board of Zoning Appeals. His dedication to his community never wavered.
On May 24, 1974, Ron married the love of his life, Debra Sue Craft Robinson. They were blessed with 43 years of marriage and together they raised their three children. She passed away on Jan. 1, 2018. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Melissa (Greg) Burns, Etna Green: Sara (Richard) Grossman, Etna Green; and his son, Michael “Mike” (Stacy) Robinson, Bourbon. Also surviving are his beloved six grandchildren that he dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with Bailee (Trenton) Coler, Breann (Byron) Prisock, Carter and Heidi Grossman and Connor and Maggie Robinson; and two great-grandchildren, Addilynne and Bucklee Coler; as well as his brother, Donald (Kathleen) Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eleanor; wife, Debra; and his in-laws, C. Darl and Norma Craft.
Friends and family are invited to visit from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Ron’s life will be celebrated with a service at 6 p.m. immediately following visitation and officiated by Pastor Jordan Ickes. He will be laid to rest at a later date at Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse.
Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Please note on memo line of the check to go towards Kosciusko County Riley Kids Fund.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
