Col. George S. Robbins (Ret)

Col. George S. Robbins (Ret), age 92, of Seymour, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the University of Louisville Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Following a life well lived, George S. Robbins made his final flight ascending to the heavens on October 14, 2023. He was a man of principle and integrity, and he was loved by many. In 1931, he was born to Roy E. and Bessie (Myers) Robbins in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1948, the family moved to Jackson County, Indiana. George graduated from Clear Spring High School in 1949. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked as a Radar Electronics Technician, as his lifelong goal was to work with airplanes. In 1952, he was selected for the Aviation Cadet Program. He soloed after only 6 hours in a T-6. After graduating in 1953, he was awarded pilot wings and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The same year, he and his longtime love, Vera Ann Hanner, were married at the Kurtz Church of the Nazarene in Kurtz, Indiana. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. His first assignment was in Rapid City, South Dakota, flying B-36s. It was here that they met lifelong friends Bob and Barbara Stickles. He was then assigned to the B-47 program. He completed a year-long navigator training in Waco, Texas, before being promoted to First Lieutenant and stationed in Salina, Kansas. This assignment consisted of many temporary duty travel (TDY) stations, including Alaska, England, Spain, and several other countries. He was promoted to Captain during his time abroad. George was always looking for new opportunities. He was accepted into the new B-52 program. Training took place in California and New Mexico. He was promoted to Major and stationed in Blytheville, Arkansas. Here, he and his B-52 crew won many awards and accolades. The family spent 6.5 years in Blytheville and were blessed with lifelong friends, especially Orville and Joyce Mitchell. During this time, Major Robbins and crew flew several 24-hour missions in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Next was the exciting and challenging B-58 Supersonic Hustler. George completed his training in a F-102 in Texas and was then assigned to Grissom AFB in Indiana. There, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and in 1970 was assigned to Saigon, Vietnam, as Special Operations Divisions Officer. One highlight during this time was a R&R trip to Hawaii, where he met Vera to vacation. After his overseas tour, he was assigned to Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana, flying B-52s. They were joined there by many friends from Grissom AFB. In 1971, he was promoted to Colonel and sent to Park College in Kansas City, Missouri, for 3 months to complete his college degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude in Business and Economics. At Barksdale AFB, he served as 596th Squadron Commander, spent time in Guam with his crew members, and later was Maintenance Commander. Colonel Robbins retired in 1974. He was decorated with many awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Award, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Legion of Merit. He held several esteemed positions throughout his career, including Squadron Commander, Aircraft Commander, Maintenance Commander, and Special Forces Commander. He was an avid aviator and owned several airplanes in his lifetime. He received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is awarded to pilots with 50 years of flying experience with no accidents. After Air Force retirement, George was employed by Cummins Engine Company. He worked in the warranty division group and enjoyed his time there. He also continued serving his community. He was a founding member of the Owen Salt Creek Fire Department, served on the Soil and Water Committee, Red Cross Board of Directors, was the Jackson-Jennings Farm Bureau Director, and President of the Brownstown Central School Board. His career always reflected the highest standards and his work ethic ensured success. Keeping his love of flying alive, George held many ratings as a civilian pilot: Flight Instructor, instrument rated, and multi-engine rated. He was a representative for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, member of the Freeman Field Flying Association, EAA Warbirds, and the American Legion. He was also a proud member of the exclusive Octogenarians (80 years old and still flying) club and flew to several of their events. He also served and worked at the church he attended wherever he lived and had strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of The Point church and Friends in Christ group in Seymour. Always competitive and sports-minded, he loved going to Indiana University men’s basketball games with his good friend, Richard Hackman. He followed his grandchildren during all their sporting events, and later followed his granddaughter, Lauren, through her collegiate basketball career at Taylor University. He loved watching the University of Alabama football and tailgating with his son-in-law, Jim, and granddaughter, Emily. His family enjoyed the lake house and boating and skiing on Lake Monroe. A highlight in his life was seeing his daughter, Karen, obtain her pilot's license while serving as her flight instructor in his Cessna 172. The two pilots enjoyed traveling to many places in his Beechcraft Bonanza, including their yearly trip to the Oshkosh Air Show and Convention in Wisconsin. There they camped with a special group of friends from Kokomo, Indiana. The most important aspect of George’s life was his love and commitment to his faith and his family. He was an incredible provider, protector, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Survivors are his loving wife, Vera Ann; daughters: Connie Jo Wayman of Norman, IN, Cathy L. (David) Hildebrand of Seymour, IN, and Karen S. (Michael) James of Norman, IN; grandchildren: Jennifer (Alan) Harris, Emily (Miles) Moody, Bradley Wayman, Ben Wayman, Brian (Casey) Wayman, Beth Wayman, Kailee (Tim) Bowman, Rachel Hildebrand, Lauren James, and Kevin James; great-grandchildren: Nora Delight Harris, Luna Rose Moody, Eloise Avalon Moody, Amari James Tackett, and Sophia Grace Bowman; one brother James (Wanda) Robbins of Carmel, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Alice Locke and Joan Latham; one brother, Gene Robbins; and a son-in-law, James R. Wayman. Funeral services for Col. George S. Robbins (Ret) will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at The Point in Seymour with Pastor Steve Barrett and Pastor Floyd Fisher officiating. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at The Point. Interment will follow at Kurtz Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Kurtz Church of the Nazarene, The Point, and Freeman Field Army Airfield Museum. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Col. George S. Robbins (Ret)

June 25, 1931 - October 14, 2023