Robert Nelson Robins

Robert Nelson (Bob) Robins, 89, a long-time resident of Ellinwood, Kansas, died Monday, December 25, 2017 at The Catholic Care Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born March 10, 1928, in Gloucester, Virginia to Frank and Mary (Coates) Robins.

Bob enlisted in the Air Force in 1946 not long after the end of WWII, where he served as a radio operator. Soon after his discharge, he enrolled at Kansas State University.  He graduated in 1952.

Bob spent the first two and a half years of his teaching and coaching career in Blue Rapids, Kansas. He moved his family to Ellinwood, Kansas in 1954 and spent the next 36 years teaching and coaching the Ellinwood Eagles. He also worked as an administrator for the school district.

Bob was the definition of an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, play golf, and maintain his yard, but he was happiest tending to his garden.  He shared the fruit of his labor with friends and neighbors. While Bob spent as much time as possible outdoors, he was an avid Kansas State Wildcat fan and he rarely missed a televised game.

Bob was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, and he had a strong faith in God. He was a devoted husband, and a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Gloria Robins; three sons, Dan Robins of Houston, Texas, David Robins of Wichita, Kansas and Todd Robins of Wichita, Kansas; three daughters, Kathy Noller of Wichita, Kansas, Patty Passman of Wichita, Kansas, and Becky Willinger of Austin, Texas; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; and his brother Allen, of Gloucester, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Earl and Marvin; and his sisters, Margaret, Barbara, and Charlotte.

A service celebrating his life will be held Friday, December 29th, at 11am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Kansas with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Ellinwood HS Activity Association in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.