Gary Robins

Gary Gayle Robins, 85, of Osceola, the son of Gayle D. Robins and Audra Beatrice DeBerry Robins was born Nov. 13, 1935 near Weldon, Iowa and passed from this life January 21 at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola.

Gary went to various country schools thru 7th grade before moving to the Murray area and graduating from Murray High School in 1954.

Gary worked on the railroad for 2 years, starting his farming career in 1956 when he was united in marriage to Delores Jean Welker on February 19, 1956. Four children blessed this union: Martin Gayle, Ricky Gene, Christie Renae, and Raydean Keith.

Gary was a very loving, caring, gentle man. The love of God and his family was first in his life; everyone was his friend. His first outing was at 3 weeks old attending church, rarely missing thereafter. Gary was baptized at the Murray Church of Christ in June, 1969.

Throughout Gary’s lifetime he served on several boards including the Murray School Board of Education, Area Education Board, Clarke County Hospital Board, Clarke County Arts Council, Murray Lions Club and coached Murray Little League baseball. Gary drove the school bus for 27 years and he truly loved it. Gary was a friend to all the kids and said he would still be driving if he were able.

Gary’s love of art began at an early age. He always said as soon as he was old enough to pick up a pencil he would draw on anything handy such as newspapers, napkins, tablecloths, and in later years, even his children’s homework. Delores said to him, “If you are going to draw, do it on something I can keep.” Delores got Gary a sketchbook and he would draw every evening while watching television. Gary and Delores have several scrapbooks along with many paintings and sculptures out of clay. Gary believed that everyone has a God given talent and that you just have to use it.

Those who preceded Gary in death were his son Marty Robins, parents, Gayle and Audra, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Milan and Marie Welker, and brother-in-law, Dwaine Welker.

Gary leaves to cherish her memory his wife, Delores, son, Rick (Diana) Robins of Murray, IA, daughter, Christie Robins of Murray, IA and son, Dean (Janet) Robins of Murray, IA. Also surviving is his brother Terry (Judy) of Osceola, IA, sister-in-law, Anne Welker, grandchildren, Trevor (Jodee) Robins of Osceola, IA, Kelsey (Nick) Wells of Norwalk, IA and Ryan (Chelsie) of Orange City, IA, Ashley Sorter-Sprunger (Dylon Craig) of Murray, IA, Christy McDole (Cory) of Murray, IA as well as 11 great grandchildren and a host of friends.