Martin Isaac Cobbinah (Kwaku Brenyah)
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Martin Isaac Cobbinah (Kwaku Brenyah), born December 6, 1941 in Amponya, Bekwai in his native Ashanti region of Ghana – West Africa, departed this life April 19, 2025. He was son of the late Kwabena Asamoah Cobbinah Mensah and Amma Ofosua.
He was baptized at the Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church in Obuasi, Ghana. After high school, he worked for a short period at the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation in Obuasi before being admitted at the Ghana Nautical College for a course in Merchant Marine Navigation. After graduation from the Nautical College, he sailed with Black Star Line Shipping Company of Ghana as a Navigator for seven years, locating to the United States in 1968. In the US, he was employed at West Jefferson General Hospital for 1 year and for 26 years with Universal Life Insurance Company.
He met Mildred Louise Dunn in January 1964 during her nursing clinical rotation at the US Marine Hospital in New Orleans, LA. At the completion of Mildred’s nursing education, she traveled to Ghana where they were married in 1965. Two daughters and a son were born to this union. In 1984, the family moved from New Orleans, LA to Blue Springs, MO.
He was a parishioner of St John LaLande Catholic Church in Blue Springs, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Augustina Danquah and Adwoa Nyarko, and brothers John Kofi Asiedu and Kojo Cobbinah.
He is survived by his wife Mildred L. Cobbinah; daughter Ingenué F. Cobbinah, MD, Lee’s Summit, MO; son Martin A. (Sharon) Cobbinah, Kansas City, MO; daughter Stella O. Cobbinah, Somerset, NJ; brother Daniel A. Cobbinah, Obuasi, Ghana – West Africa; five grandchildren, Steven M. (Kandace) Cobbinah-Smith, Honolulu, HI; Emily N. Smith, Omaha, NE; Dominique A. Smith, Kansas City, MO; Ysabelle S. L. Cobbinah-Fears, Lee’s Summit, MO; Victoria A. Cobbinah, Kansas City, MO; five great-grandchildren, Kaiden Cobbinah-Smith, Drew Cobbinah-Smith, Charlotte Smith, Malia Cobbinah-Smith, Malik Cobbinah-Smith; sister-in-law Cotheana A. (Alton) Foster, Houston, TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also a “bonus parent” to many sons and daughters who will forever cherish the love and guidance he shared with them.
Acknowledgements
The family expresses deep appreciation to Martin’s nephew, Steven Asamoah (Papa Yaw) in Australia, who was very instrumental in facilitating communication with Martin’s brother to ensure key aspects of the Ashanti tradition were respected during this difficult time.
A sincere thank you is also extended to family, friends and church family for prayers and condolences during our time of bereavement.
Services and burial for Martin will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, Raytown, MO. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Blue Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to either the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center which provides accessible education to underserved communities, or Dfree Global Foundation, Inc. which promotes financial freedom and practical approaches to financial management. Education and financial literacy were very close to Martin’s heart.
Donations can be made in Martin’s memory at duboislc.org for the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center and dfreefoundation.org for the Dfree Global Foundation.
— Services entrusted to —
Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, Raytown, Missouri
The Clemons/Harley family sends our deepest condolences and most fervent prayers to the Cobbinah family at this time. We hope that the many memories of Mr Cobbinah bring you comfort.
Justina Clemons and Robert Harley & Family
I am very sorry,Martin was a very nice person,love you, am in the hospital and will not be able to come to services.
The Mends Family and other relatives without the Mends surname (are all Mends- EJ, David, Frank, etc) are grieving beyond words.
Mr Cobbinah was more than a brother, friend, mentor, encourager and Ebusua. We miss him already but not his supportive and loving spirit.
Mr Cobbinah da yie. Nyame mma wo akwaaba.
I can remember Martin from the time when I was young to now. He has always been friendly and a fun guy to be with. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. Dorothy and I are praying for the family as you go through this difficult time.
Gene and Dorothy Bell
I’m so very sorry. Martin was an amazing person. You and your family will be in our prayers.
David and Kathy French
Chapman Brookside CT
My prayers are with your family during this hard time. May he hold you and keep you strong.
Extending my deepest condolences to Martin’s family. While I only had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him a few times, I found him to be a kind and fascinating person to visit with, who was also, clearly, very proud of his family. May he rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences for the passing of Martin. I will always remember how nice and welcoming he and Mildred were when I was a college student, alone in a new city, and they allowed me to visit their home for the holidays. That same welcoming spirit is what I experienced with every encounter over the years.
I am praying for peace and comfort for the family.
Sharon Dunn Carter
Mr. Martin was my friend and elderly statesman who always takes the opportunity to advise me and gives me words of encouragement to lead and handle matters pertaining to the Ghana Association of Greater Kansas City while I was President. I will forever remember you. Demirifa dwe. RIP🙏
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martin. We share in your sorrow and offer our heartfelt condolences. He will be at peace now, proud of a life well lived and the amazing human beings he raised which is the testament to his greatness. We are praying for strength and comfort for your family during this difficult time. I will remember Martin (my brother from another mother)always.
I am deeply suddened by your demise, Mr. Cobbinah. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bossom of the Lord. My deepest condolences to the Cobbinah family for divine peace and comfort in this difficult time.
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Martin. I was so grateful and blessed to have finally met him and Ms. Mildred a few months ago, thanks to my sis. Thanks for your kindness and the laughs, pops. I’ll never forget you. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences and love to the Cobbinah family. We lift you up in our prayers, and may you find comfort in your own time. God bless.
The Idun family is very saddened by your sudden departure. When we talked on my birthday on March 15th, we didn’t know it was going to be the last time. We were looking forward to seeing you soon at the planned meeting.
Only God knows why he called you! We take consolation in the fact that you’re resting in the Lord’s bosom.
Due! Due! Damirifa due!
Phyllis and Emmanuel Idun.
Mildred, Greg and I was sadden to hear the news of the passing of your husband Martin. Though we only got to spend a time with both you and Martin the love you all extended towards us was very warm and truly welcomed us as part of the family. We will never forget our short visit meeting you all for the first time. Mildred the Bible tells us to be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord. It also tells us when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Him the believers who have died. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
It is with great sadness felt by the loss of Papa Cobinnah, a man who loved me like a father. There’s so many words of wisdom and charitable moments that I will never forget.
To my dear friend Stella, her siblings and Mother Cobbinah, thank you for sharing him with me and Angela. I know how much he meant to you and even more how much he loved each of you. Sending you love and prayers from the Oliphant family. See you soon. Love, Kenyatta
Sending sincere condolences to Stella and family. May the Lord continue to wrap His arms around you providing you the love, comfort and strength to support you throughout the years.
My thoughts and prayers with your family during your period of grief. Be strong and remember that joy comes in the morning.
To Stella and Family:
God’s blessings upon you during this time of mourning and loss. We pray that the God of all comfort surrounds you with love and grace.
Stella and Famly –
My condolences for your loss. I heard quite a few stories about ‘dad’ from Stella to know that he was incredibly caring and had a great sense of humor. It is clear the profound impact he has had and will continue to have on so many. May the fond memories and stories help you through this challenging time now and forever forward.
Stella and the Cobbinah Family
I’m sorry for your loss. I know how important Mr. Cobbinah was for the entire family. I also know how successful his family is so I guess that is a testament of what ind of man Mr Cobbinah was.
May his soul rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about this precious soul, Mr Martin Cobbinah. He was always smiling and had words of wisdom. His presence will be greatly missed by all, and we are so blessed to have known him.
The Mensah-Brown family is deeply saddened by your loss. You were very kindhearted, and ready to to offer help in whatever way you could. Your absence leaves a void. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Goodnight, Mr. Cobbinah. Sleep well!
Our hearts are with all of you in this time of sorrow. We are with you all. St Luke’s Surgicenter family.
My deepest condolences to Stella and the Cobbinah family. May God hold you in his loving arms and comfort you. I pray that cherished memories of Mr. Cobbinah, and the wisdom, love, and strength received from him guide you and bring you peace during this most difficult time as you grieve this great loss. God be with you.
I am deeply saddened about the passing of Mr. Martin Cobbinah. My heart goes out to the Cobbinah family and praying earnestly that God may comfort you in such a time as this. Martin was a mentor and a dear friend. He instilled in me the importance of family, education, financial planning, punctuality at events and respect for people regardless of their background. I will always cherish the times we spent together which included, weddings, outdoorings, birthday celebrations, graduations and picnics. Mildred, Ingenué, Kwesi and Stella, thank you for sharing him with me and my family. Mr. Cobbinah, you’ve gone too soon. Rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord.
Best regards,
David
So sorry and saddened to hear of his passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family and loved ones. I know his presence will be greatly missed.
Mr. Cobbinah was an elder Statesman of the Ghanaian community in the Kansas-Missouri area. He was always welcoming and had many great stories about his travels on the Black Star line ship he worked on.
He told a story about when they first docked on the shores in America, the natives in that area were shocked to see African Naval officers in uniform on the ship since that was not a common thing in those days. These were some of his great stories.
Mr. Cobbinah Rest well!
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of dad. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. His kindness, warmth, and presence will be dearly missed. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may his soul rest in peace.
I was shocked to hear about Martin’s demise and still can’t believe my Martin is gone. Having known him since the beginning of his career, it is indeed difficult and never easy to lose someone who matters so much. To Mildred and the family, particularly the children, I can only say that no one can know the gravity of your loss. However, remember that you have the thoughts and prayers of so many people to help you through this. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your irreplaceable loss. May the Good Lord guide and guard you from now till then.
Mr. Cobbinnah (Papa Cobbinnah),
To quote Papa Cobbinnah, “Do Good”; that quote has always resonated with me. The two words have been meaningful , simple and powerful. Nothing extra, but very profound in meaning. Papa Cobbinnah live virtuous and morally correct, he was my wife (Kenyatta) extended Papa. I could feel the love and compassion he conveyed on May 26 2019, our wedding day. He was ever present in that moment (day), he became my Papa Cobbinnah that day too. May you rest in peace Mr. Cobbinnah.
Our brother Martin, on behalf of all the African
Students you went out of your way back in 1969 At Louisiana State University In New Orleans, to making our transition to Life In America Easier. Thank You!
May you rest in his everlasting peace!
Mildred and the family we share your loss, may The Almighty God protect you. Amen!
Martin was an amazing and compassionate human being who often went out of his way to help others, especially, young Ghanaians like myself and my two cousins, Joseph Arthur and Joseph Thompson.. We were often invited to his house to dinner when we craved home cooked meals. Mildred was always the perfect hostess and we enjoyed playing with Ingenue and Kwesi who’ were very young then and of course Stella came later . May Martin rest in peace. We are praying for the Cobbinah family for God’s comforting hands to embrace them at this time and always.in Jesus Name!
Uncle Martin as I affectionately called him was more than a father in-law to me, he was the dad I never had, your passing came as a shock to me one I can never recover from because we literally shared a text message a night before your passing only to wake up the next day with this heart breaking news from Stella. Uncle thank you so much for your words of wisdom every time we spoke at length on the phone, thank you for sharing your life experiences with me, really appreciate you and I pray our lord continue to watch over you and give you a peaceful rest till we meet again. I have gained an angel in heaven who’s going to lookout for me. Rest Well will forever miss you 😔😔
My sincere condolences to Mildred and the entire family. As a child I remember Martin as a person who would do anything and everything for his family. His dedication to his children always stuck with me. He will be missed but his love for others and steadfast dedication will live on forever.
To the family we send our condolences. We are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. Praying for strength during this difficult time hold on to your special memories they will comfort you all. With love, Fanon, Linda, Kennedy and Little Fanon
I met Mr. Cobbinah while I was teaching third grade at the African Centered Education Collegium Campus. His daughter, my doctor, shared his contact information with me. Mr. Cobbinah came to the school and did a fantastic presentation on Ghana and the Ashanti culture. My students and I were amazed. We were learning about the country which our classroom was named after, but having someone that was born in Ghana in our presence was iconic. I will never forget his kindness and sincere joy expressed that day. My prayers and sincere condolences to this great family.
To the family of Martin Cobbinah.
I have great memories of him. He was our insurance agent in New Orleans. I was a little girl smile.
I remember his smile and laughter.
Martin was a very nice and friendly person.
He always sent me a birthday and Christmas cards.
I will cherish his memory and legacy he left behind.
Love you and the memories,
Ms. Avis Maria Hebert
Baton Rouge, La.
My heart was very heavy and sad for
the hearing of the passing of my good friend and brother, “Cobbinah”. I will never forget him for the many conversations we shared. Truly, laughter a gift that we both gave each other and reminiscing past memories.
Laughter creates memories. It is life’s
bubbles and often its best medicine. Strips of shining laughter weave friendship’s basket tight enough to hold the tears. I know that there is nothing better for men (women) than to be happy and do good while they live. This was Cobbinah.
Mildred and children I am praying for you all as you journey through this difficult time in your life.
Mrs. Helen Bush McMiller
Baton Rouge, La.