Reverend Wesley Gene Robinson-McNeese, M.D.

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Reverend Wesley Gene Robinson-McNeese, M.D. departed this life peacefully at home and surrounded by the love and care of his family on September 18, 2023, in Springfield, IL. Wesley grew up in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Reverends Dr. Timmie and Priscilla McNeese, and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1965. Throughout the next 55+ years, McNeese served his country, his family, and community actively and wholeheartedly. He was a proud Air Force Veteran, with his final active-duty station at Da Nang AFB, Vietnam, receiving the Air Commendation Medal, among others, for his service. He worked as a journalist in his hometown until restarting his undergraduate education, at Anderson College, Anderson, IN. He went on to become a distinguished emergency physician and returned to his alma mater, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIUSOM), serving in multiple executive roles in diversity and founding a pipeline program. He also received countless honors from SIUSOM, one of his final in 2023 being the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. In addition to his career in medicine, McNeese was ordained a minister in 1999 and served his adopted Springfield community in numerous civic and professional organizations. He was a published essayist, poet, and frequently sought-after speaker and voice for community activism. Wesley was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his father, mother, and three siblings. Left to honor Wes’ memory are: LaVern Ollie-McNeese, his wife of 46 years, 8 children, 13 grandchildren, and 4 surviving siblings.

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.