Donnie Robbins Obituary, Death – Donnie Robbins, age 76, of Carbondale, died away on Tuesday, January 17 at 3:45 AM in his home with his family there by his side after a struggle with acute myeloid leukemia that lasted for 5 months. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Rosiclare, Illinois, was the location of his birth on May 7th, 1946. His parents were Wendell and Evelyn (Grandstaff) Robbins. From 1966 through 1968, he did his country proud by serving in the Army of the United States of America in Germany. From the 13th of April in 1970 until the 22nd of December in 1992, he served as a police officer for the Carbondale Police Department.
After that, he spent a significant portion of his career working in the grounds department at Southern Illinois University. He took great pleasure in relaxing in his favorite chair and watching his go-to team play in the All-American Football League, the Dallas Cowboys. He passed on his devotion to his brother as well as to his sons. If I wasn’t watching football, I was probably watching the Cardinals or some basketball game. In addition to that, he was a fan of Nascar racing. When he wasn’t watching sports, he liked to watch old John Wayne movies and other classic westerns. The experience of watching his grandchildren compete in sports like baseball, softball, and basketball brought him the most satisfaction.
We think that the highlight of his day was going around to the various snack stands. He had a passion for collecting expensive watches, shoes, firearms, and automobiles. He had a strong craving for a good steak, pizza, cheeseburger, and a cool Coors light. He didn’t lack any of these things. Every day, his family, friends, nurses, and everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing him will lament the loss of his infectious grin, jokes, and chuckle, as well as his love and presence among them. He is survived by his daughter Jenny (Brett) Rorman, his son Joey Robbins, his granddaughter McKenzie Rogman, his grandson Camden Rogman, his granddaughter Grace Robbins, and his grandson Knox Robbins, as well as his sisters Nancy (Frank) Maynor and Wendy Rosendale, as well as his nieces Debbie Asbell, Terri Lockwood, Trudi Johnson, Natalie Walker, Ashley Schaubert, and Mandy Bill.
Nieces Debbie Asbell John Rosendale, Jacob Rosendale, and Frank Maynor are their uncles’ nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, including his sister Marianna Asbell, brother David Dale, twin brother Ronnie Robbins, and sons Ryan and Matthew Robbins. His parents also passed away before him. Because of the compassion and care that they provided for our father at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Residential Home Health, and Hospice of Southern Illinois, our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to each of these institutions.
On Sunday, January 22nd, visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Walker Funeral Home. The funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, January 23 at 11 am at the Walker Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Murdale Gardens Cemetery following the funeral service under the direction of Kent Burns. In lieu of sending flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.