Guy Pententler Robinson was born on March 6, 1939, to Simpson Herbert Robinson and Ruby (Pententler) Robinson in their family home just south of Butler in Bates County, Missouri. He grew up learning the value of hard work while helping his father on the family farm—lessons that would shape the rest of his life.
Guy attended Star School, a small country school south of Butler, from kindergarten through eighth grade, and later graduated from Butler High School. While there, he played football and earned the nickname “Beep Beep,” a nod to both his fast driving—and parking—of his beloved 1955 Ford, and to the Road Runner cartoon character: he was there one moment and gone the next “Beep Beep”.
On May 17, 1958, while still in high school, Guy married the love of his life, Donna Lee Anderson. Together, they raised three children: Diane, Dana, and Debra. Throughout his working years, Guy held numerous labor and trade positions across Bates County and the Kansas City area, including with Mathew Ferguson, Fisher Body Chevrolet, Ross Daniels Plumbing, Bill Fischer Furnace Heating & Cooling, Butler Manufacturing, Leeds Chevrolet, Sears Roebuck, Okay Tire, and Joe Wicks, among others. His strong work ethic, mechanical skill, and readiness to help others were hallmarks of who he was.
In the mid-1960s, Guy founded Robinson Plumbing, a business that proudly served Butler and surrounding communities for decades. His work contributed to many local landmarks, including plumbing for the Inn Hotel on Ohio and Delaware streets, helping build and major plumbing and HVAC work at the Assembly of God Church on South Main. He also helped build countless homes throughout Bates County, Appleton City, and Clinton, Missouri—leaving a quiet but lasting imprint across the region.
Guy was widely recognized for his black 1968 GMC truck with a white camper, a familiar sight around Butler for more than 50 years. In May 1969, Guy and Donna purchased the white two-story home with the wraparound porch on the corner of Adams and Fulton Streets in Butler. They lovingly renovated it while raising their young family. Three years later, they added an office and oversized garage—Guy’s pride and joy—and the property remained his home for the rest of his life.
By the mid-1970s, Guy expanded his business to include heating and cooling services, further establishing Robinson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling as a trusted local name. Though he officially retired around 2015, longtime customers continued to reach out, valuing his honesty, reliability, and genuine care.
Guy and Donna shared a deep love of travel, exploring the United States and Canada in several conversion vans over the years. Those road trips created countless cherished memories that Guy treasured long after the journeys ended.
Guy experienced profound heartbreak with the loss of his beloved wife, Donna, on September 19, 2014. In his later years, he also battled diabetes and, most recently, leukemia. Yet he continued to meet life with resilience, humor, and the steady presence for which he was known.
Guy will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, quick humor, mechanical know-how, devotion to his family, and the many ways he served his community. Guy was a lifetime member of the Butler Elks Lodge and played a role in building the Elks Lodge and generously donating both his time and supplies to the project.
Guy is survived by his children: Diane Robinson and Dana Robinson, both of Butler, Missouri, and Debra Davis of Wickenburg, Arizona; grandchildren Jeremy Oates of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Caleb Oates (wife, Sherri) of Adrian, Missouri; Brooke Thompson of Osage Beach, Missouri; Spencer Davis and Dexter Davis of Wickenburg, Arizona; and great-grandchildren Romey, Jonathan, Letha, and Blessing Thompson of Osage Beach; Kale and Huntley Oates of Adrian; and Silas Davis of Wickenburg, Arizona; sister-in-law, Joyce Botkin of Butler, Missouri; sister-in-law, Tressie Robinson of Independence Missouri, and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Guy was preceded in death by his parents; all his siblings, Lee Robinson, Martha Beatty, and Charles Robinson; his granddaughter, Bailey Robinson (who passed at birth); his nephew, Gilbert Beatty; his niece Kathy Christ; his nephew Robert Christopher and his beloved wife, Donna Robinson.
Guy’s legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, devotion, and love will live on through all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
