Earl B. Robbins Obituary (1937 - 2014)

Earl B. Robbins, 77, of Normal, died at 10:37 am, Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.His funeral will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, (6-7-14) at Eastview Christian Church, Normal with Rev. Jerry McCorkle officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm, Friday, (6-6-14) atrnCarmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington. Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.Earl was born on May 21, 1937 in Bloomington, the son of Audrey W. "A.W." and Elva Margaret Newberry Robbins. He married Carol J. Skinner on February 17, 1979 in Normal. She survives.He is also survived by two daughters, Leigh Ann (Tony) Bryson of Lake Orion, MI and Lori (Mark) Miller of Gilbert, AZ; one son, Scott (Kim) Skinner of Lake St. Louis, MO, a daughter-in-law, Shelli Robbins of Brownsburg, IN; twelve grandchildren, Sarah, Robby and Ryan Robbins, Abigail, Micah and Joshua Bryson, Colin, Duncan and Gavin Skinner, Kristin (Mike) Sellers and Michael and Jared Miller.He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, Irene Klink, Wayne Robbins and Lois Schad; and a son, Rob Robbins.Earl graduated from Bloomington High School in 1955 where he played football, baseball and wrestled; he also attended Illinois State Normal University.Earl had a variety of occupations over the years ranging from the railroad to State Farm to being a business owner. Over the past two years he enjoyed his Enterprise (Rent A Car) family. Earl was a well rounded individual and was always interested in learning new things. He loved to research things to better himself and others.Earl was an avid Cardinal fan and a gifted self taught artist. He was a proud grandfather and loved to spoil his grandkids rotten. They could never do wrong in his eyes. Earl was a member of Eastview Christian Church. He had quiet faith, but it was strong and there was no question about where he stood. He never missed a chance to bond with his Christian brothers at their Saturday morning prayer breakfast.Earl had a rough exterior, but was a teddy bear at heart. He was the love of Carols life and he always treated her like a queen.