Manton - John Earl Robbins, longtime resident of Manton, formerly of Saginaw, Ann Arbor, Orlando and Troy, passed away after his struggle with Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Ohana Adult Foster Care Home. He was 87.

John was born on September 26, 1930, in Clintonville, Wisconsin to George D. and Elta E. (Zingler) Robbins. John entered into marriage with the former Nancy E Waite on July 12, 1953, in Manton. The couple celebrated 62 years of marriage together before Nancy's passing in 2015. John was a 1949 graduate of Manton High School. He proudly served in the Naval Reserves before joining the United States Air Force, doing his duty overseas in Germany during the Korean War.  John became a graduate of Michigan State University after which he earned graduate degrees from Yale and Wayne State.

John retired from the City of Ann Arbor after 25 years as its Director of Traffic Engineering and Transportation. Upon his retirement he continued to work in Traffic Engineering with the City of Orlando and the City of Troy.  He later moved to Manton and enjoyed a long standing service on the City Commission completing 50 years of public service.  A fact he was very proud of. 
He was very active in the Manton community having served several years on the Manton City Commission, Manton Rotary (Former president), Chamber of Commerce Director. He was Manton Citizen of the Year and has a place on the Manton Wall of Fame at Manton Historical Society. His passion for Veterans led to his becoming involved with some friends from the Manton VFW in co-founding the Manton Veterans museum where he served as its co-curator. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, woodworking, volunteering, hunting and telling stories.

Now the glimmer in his eyes, his smile and his stories will be but fond memories for those who knew him.

Memorial services, celebrating John's life will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 12 noon, at the Hall-Holdship Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 am, prior to the service.  The Rev. Bart Glupker will officiate.  Military honors will be provided by the Cadillac Area Honor Guard and a luncheon will follow at the Manton VFW Post 7806, located at 603 State Street, Manton, MI 49663.

John is survived by his loving family; his son, Steven (Lisa) Robbins of Ann Arbor; his daughters, Janice Robbins and Joanne Robbins both of Manton; grandchildren, Jaimie (Jeremie) Fellows-Garno, Dawn Fellows, Ethan Atwell and Jonathon Atwell; his great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Logan, Lilly and Connor; a sister, Joyce (Butch) Hinkens; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Robbins; siblings, Jim Robbins, and Gerald, Geraldine and Raymond Ehmke.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that Memorial contributions in his name be directed to the Manton Historical Museum, Attn: Veterans Museum, John E Robbins Memorial, 102 Griswald, Manton, MI 49963.

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