Gary Joe Robbins of Sullivan, Indiana, was welcomed into heaven by his wife, Debbie, on Monday, June 2 at 8:39 PM, after 20 heartbreaking months of living without her. He finally fulfilled his wish to be reunited with his love after battling a long illness for many years. He is survived by his brothers Steve Robbins and Bill Robbins and sisters Kay Hostetler and Connie Charlton. 

Joe married Debbie, his high school sweetheart, on December 5, 1975.  Together they had three children, Amber (John) Elwood of Columbus, IN, Natalie (Jared) Tatum of Brazil, IN and Ryan (Tasha) Robbins of Sullivan, IN, all of whom survive. Joe had six grandchildren, who were the love of his life, Josie Leigh, Hudson Andrew, Slader Jonathan, Bristol Lee and the tater tots Vance Joseph and Bella Lavon. 

Joe was a 1974 graduate of Sullivan High School. After high school, he joined the Ironworkers where he worked many years before retiring.  He loved watching sports, especially the Fighting Irish.  This love of sports extended to watching his children, nieces and nephews and grandchildren play where he never missed a game and was known as “The Grill Master”. He was known as Gary by some, “Moose” by others, and Joe by most, but his favorite name was Papaw. He took great pride in bragging about his children and grandchildren, they were his favorite topic to discuss.  When he was not bragging about his grandchildren he was telling stories of Milo, his adored cat.  Joe was even known for taking Milo on walks around town.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Juanita Robbins, his sisters Linda Kay Robbins and Dolores Reed and his brothers Charles Dudley and Jack Dudley.  

Joe’s celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 9th at the United Methodist Church of New Lebanon. Friends and Family can gather for a time of visitation from 12 to 2pm with the services following the visitation.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery or the Sullivan Humane Society.