The Honorable Larry Wayne Robbins, Anderson – 81, had a motion to withdraw his appearance in heaven denied. He died peacefully on February 25, 2022. Upon arrival in heaven, we expect he was greeted by countless family members and friends.
He was born on April 25, 1940, to Arthur Lee and Elsie Alice (Everett) Robbins in Anderson. He was the youngest of eleven siblings, which made for a full house growing up on a farm just west of town. As a young boy, he would eagerly anticipate Sunday dinner, a family tradition, and the feast his mother prepared each week. He loved to help his father work the farm, and when he got a little older, he would ride with him to work and spend the day watching movies at the theaters in downtown Anderson. He loved taking care of farm animals, playing games and participating in epic adventures with his siblings and the “Moss Island gang.” His upbringing provided him with a strong foundation in faith and a devotion to family.
Larry graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1958. He continued to work at Owen’s Dairy after graduation, but after a visit to see his sister Deloris at Ball State University, and an unplanned trip to the registrar’s office, he found himself enrolled in classes. He would go on to graduate from Ball State in 1965 with a degree in English. From there, he worked at Delco Remy alongside his siblings to pay his way through law school, graduating from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law. Admitted to practice law in 1976, he was devoted and well-respected in the legal profession for 41 years. A member of the Indiana State Bar and Madison County Bar Associations, he was Madison County Deputy Prosecutor from 1979 to 1982. He was appointed Judge County Court 2 (now Circuit Court 5) in 1984 and served until 1990. From 1991 to 1996, he was IV D Commissioner. Later he was Madison County Bail Commissioner from 2000 to 2002.
He was deeply connected to Anderson and Madison County, having spent almost all his life as a proud resident. His love for community was clear in his servant’s heart. Beyond his activities in Madison County government, the Madison County Bar Association and many years of involvement in the Madison County GOP, he assumed leadership roles in many organizations. He was a member of the Anderson Sertoma Club for nearly 30 years, serving as President for several terms. He was named Sertoman of the Year multiple times. He was a member of Mt. Moriah F.& A.M. #77 of Anderson, Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, Murat Temple, Anderson Breakfast Exchange and the Anderson Elks Club #209, among others.
Larry had a lifelong passion for racing. He was a crew member for his brother Rex’s ARCA race team in the early 60’s. He was an original official when Rex started the American Speed Association (ASA) in 1968. He would serve ASA in numerous capacities over the years, including corporate counsel. When he wasn’t at an ASA race, you could usually spot him at Anderson Speedway. He was also instrumental in the Anderson Sertoma Club’s Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix race each May.
He loved to travel, especially with his son John. They logged thousands of miles together attending ASA races and taking vacations to Orlando, Las Vegas, Savannah, Nashville, TN, Washington, D.C. and Banff, AB. While their road trips were numerous, their annual visits to Gatlinburg, TN were the most special. It was a home away from home. Larry had a reverence for nature, he loved to take walks at Shadyside and Mounds State Park and visited many Indiana State Parks. He enjoyed classic movies and radio shows, especially Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, The Thin Man series and Fibber McGee & Molly. He was an amateur videographer, always ready to capture special family moments. His sense of humor and wit were understated, but his one-liners will live on for decades. In conversations, he listened and debated like any good judge, letting the facts come out before rendering his opinion.
He was a loyal and dependable friend to many. Whether you were one of his best friends who were able to share many special moments, or just a casual acquaintance, you could count on Larry to be there to help you in a time of need. There was nothing more important to him than family. He made it a priority to keep the bonds strong among his siblings, nieces and nephews. Whether it was a family reunion, birthday, holiday or an informal get-together, you always knew Larry would be there.
Larry’s greatest accomplishment in life was being an incredible father to his son, John. Some say the measure of a man is his ability to simply show up and do what he says he’s going to do. There was never a moment as a father when he needed to be there for his son and he wasn’t. He never missed a school program, a sporting event, a play or graduation. He never forgot a birthday or holiday. He was never late. He never called to apologize that something else had gotten in the way. John’s interests became his interests. John’s hopes became his hopes. John’s dreams became his dreams. He gave his son a pair of wings, helped him put them on and offered him the space to fly. Until his final days he worried whether his son would be okay without him. If he can fly anywhere near the heights of his father, he’ll be just fine.
Larry Wayne Robbins is survived by his son, John J. Robbins (Jennifer); his stepdaughter Andrea A. Holtz (Alex); his sister Deloris K. Landwerlen (Leo). He leaves behind many beloved family members and countless dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers Honorable Robert R. Robbins, Albert L. “Bill” Robbins and Rex L. Robbins; sisters Wanda L. Ashby, Marjorie E. Slivka, Betty J. Parker, infant Hilda Mae Robbins, Nila I. “Rene” Evans and Phyllis L. Robbins; several special sister and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Copper Trace Senior Living, Sanders Glen Assisted Living, Paradigm Hospice, Ashely Oaks and Jean Ross, and the friends and family who stepped in to support Larry when he needed it most.
Services are at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with burial in East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Contributions in his memory may be made to: Madison County Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 696, Anderson, IN 46015-0696