Robert Gene Winn was born on December 22, 1944, in Eloise (Westland), Michigan to the late Jesse Winn and the late Agnes Hankerson Mathis. He was number six of thirteen children.

Robert grew up in Detroit, Michigan and proudly graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1962.  Robert grew up in foster care and connected with his biological family as a young man.  He enjoyed getting to know his family and established meaningful and lasting relationships with his parents, siblings, and extended family.

Robert attended Henry Ford Community College, studying to become a master heating and cooling technician and boiler room operator. After working a number of jobs, he started working in the boiler room at the Detroit Yacht Club. He started working for Northwest Airlines for a while until leaving for the Oakwood Health System where he spent the next 40 years working in the boiler room. In addition, Robert was a skilled carpenter, mechanic and master electrician. Robert dedicated his life to ensuring that his family was well taken care of, working multiple jobs for much of his life to ensure all their needs and many of their wants were met.

Robert had an assorted and eclectic mix of hobbies throughout his lifetime. He was skilled at archery, fishing, biking, hiking, martial arts, and ran daily until his later years. He enjoyed many activities with his children throughout their lifetime and exposed them to his many hobbies. He took them fishing, set up archery practice for them in the back yard, and frequently took them around the city of Detroit and spent the day with them at places like Belle Isle, the Detroit Yacht Club, and Greektown. Robert was an avid photographer and enjoyed traveling all over the world to take photographs of his favorite architecture and scenic landscapes.  His favorite places to travel include the National Parks and Italy.

Robert accumulated an extensive vinyl record collection and passed on his love of all types of music to his children. He would wake them up for their Saturday morning chores by playing their favorite songs on his record player and turning the volume up loud. He was a deep thinker and self-taught in many areas and instilled the value of education and lifelong learning in his children and grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Jesse; mother, Agnes; eldest child, Marcellus; and siblings Betty, Frank, Jerry, Raymond, Willard and Felton.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory: beloved life partner for 51 years, Debra; his children, Shawn, Derrick (Joyce), Londrea (Vanessa), KhaJasamieon (Keith), Bianca (Mario); 15 grandchildren - Jazmin, Odyssey, Terralyn (Jacob), Londrea Jr., Kennedy, Khatia, Madison, Hannah, Talae'ja, Kayla, Paige, Markus, Marcellus, Capone, and Dylan; five great-grandchildren - Isaiah, Kelle, Kaylee, Julian and Kaleb; siblings Butch, Diane, Sharon, Donna (Will), Laviette (Rick), George; and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and dear friends.

Visitation Friday 2 pm - 8 pm. Funeral Service Saturday 11:30 am at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.