Kenneth Robertson II

Kenneth Earl Robertson II on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the loving presence of family, took his final breath and stepped into the arms of the Savior he loved so deeply. Age 41 years. He left behind a life full of love and meaning with a deep devotion to his family, to music, and to God. Affectionately known as “Kenny,” or “Baby Ken,” was born Tuesday, September 27, 1983, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan the first-born son to Kenneth E. Robertson Sr. and Bacinda Renee Robertson. From the very beginning he radiated joy, gentleness and purpose. He was a gift and a light, the kind of light that fills a room and lingers long after he’s gone. He was that way from day one, they knew there was something extraordinary about their boy.

Kenny was a lifelong resident of Lansing, Michigan. As a graduate of J. W. Sexton High School, that made him a Big Red for life! He loved playing the drums and played for local bands, “Tony Thompson and Friends” and “496 West”. Kenny loved basketball and playing “Connect 4”; he loved making people laugh and loved anything musical.

Tall, gentle, soft-spoken but full of life, Kenny was the heartbeat of every room. The devoted husband and beyond proud father. The singing, drumming, joking, cologne-wearing, music-loving man with a laugh that made your shoulders drop and an encouraging word that breathed hope back into your spirit. Kenny was a true original.

It was clear at an early age that Kenny had a rare musical gift. By age four, he was mimicking beats and pulling rhythms from pots and pans. His gift? Unmistakable. His ear? Impeccable. He could hear a melody once and know the key, rhythm and melody effortlessly. And it wasn’t long before he found his home behind the drums at Bethlehem Temple Church (The Bread House), mentored by the late Billy Johnson, the late Matthew Williams, and Clarence Bodiford. For more than three decades he served faithfully, and he was committed to training and inspiring the next generation of drummers along the way.

In Ken’s professional drumming life, he also traveled to Europe for a tour to play with Lansing’s own, The Singletons, a Stellar Award–nominated national gospel recording group. He also had the opportunity to perform with The Singletons in collaboration with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.

But Kenny didn’t just play, he ministered. His drumming was about more than smooth beats and cadence, it was praise, worship, thanksgiving and celebration. Whether he was playing at church or as a part of a local band, Kenny poured his heart into his craft.

Kenny was not only a drummer, but he was also a singer too – as a growing boy he captivated the church with his breakout song, “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin. More than the beautiful and high harmony he could carry, was the special anointing and purity of his heart toward God. Ken wasn’t just talented, he was chosen.

Kenny married the love of his life Tanisha on May 12, 2006. As a husband, he was affectionate and loyal, always putting his family first. Whether through laughter and playfulness, breakfast surprises, picking out outfits or a favorite cologne that lingered long after the hugs, he was a present family man. Together they raised their daughter, Kennedy, a bright reflection of both their hearts. Kennedy was his song partner, his pride, his why. Their singing videos on Facebook brought joy to many, and even more, they reminded us of what a father’s love looks like when it's patient, present and pure.

He was a hugger. A protector. A helper. Whether it was starting the car on cold mornings, ironing everyone’s clothes, a voice of wisdom and comfort to his brothers, or his mother’s sweetheart—Kenny loved his family well. Kenny was a gift – and he shared that gift, of kindness, of patience and encouragement to uplift everyone around him.

Kenny didn’t just talk about God; he walked with Him. Quietly. Consistently. Fasting. Praying. Worshiping in his car after work. He was a man of humility, quick to tell you, he’s not perfect, yet reminding others to, “Keep God first. Pray. Get saved.” He didn’t need a pulpit; he was a walking testimony.

Behind the drums and harmonies was a man with layers. He had a passion for cooking—hosting his own "kitchen talk show" while dicing onions and seasoning meals. A movie buff with a DVD collection and the uncanny ability to mimic any character. He was a sharp dresser who wouldn't wear a new pair of shoes unless the outfit matched perfectly. A friend who made your burden feel lighter. A brother who made you laugh when you wanted to cry.

All throughout the city of Lansing, from his bandmates to his church family at The Bread House and Walk in Truth Ministries—Kenny was more than a gifted and talented drummer, he was family. To his coworkers at CATA and UPS—he was dependable and kind. To cousins, neighbors, friends—he was uplifting, sincere and loyal.

Kenny didn’t seek the spotlight, but he shined. He didn’t try to be important, he just was. His presence reassured. His faith anchored. His legacy? His life poured out like a song, echoing far beyond the last note.

As his mother Renee reminds us, "Through all of this, may God get the glory. Through Jesus Christ, we hold to the hope that we will see Kenny again.”

Kenny is lovingly survived by his wife, Tanisha Robertson, and their daughter, Kennedy Robertson; mother, Bacinda Renee Robertson; father, Kenneth E. Robertson Sr.; grandmother, Mary Ann Graham; grandfather, Leon Bounds; brothers, Jonathan and Devon Robertson; cherished niece, Nevaeh Robertson and six nephews, Giovani Robertson, Derek Jenks, Jose Sotelo, Carter Mimeo, Amear Mimes, and Cruz Ahmed; five loving aunts, Pam Hegmon, Denise Maybank, Nellie (Yolin) Hollingsworth Sr., Loretta (Doll) Stewart, and Dean Robertson; four proud uncles, Jacques (Iris) Graham, Albert Roberson, Robert (Ora) Robertson, and John (Kim) Robertson; God-sister, Ciara Brown “CeCe”; mother-in-law, Olga Flores and father-in-law, Pablo Flores; sisters-in-law, Juanita (Jose) Sotelo, Jessica Cortez, and Ericka Flores; brother-in-law, Pablo (Malissa) Flores, Jr.; a village of extended family, friends and saints who will carry his memory, music and light forward. Including forever friends and brothers, Tony Clay, Bruce Scott and Joe Saud, and special friends, Audrey Patriarche with Tony Thompson and Friends and Charlie and Laverne Wilson with 496 West Jazz band.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

“And make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12