of Conway, AR
August 18, 1944 - February 5, 2024
Don J. Robbins, 79, died on Monday, February 5, 2024 in Conway Regional Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Born August 18, 1944 in DeQueen, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Hal and Barbara Rogers Robbins. He grew up in Conway and was a graduate of Conway High School. Don received a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas and his master's degree was from The University of Mississippi. Later he earned another bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He also studied auto mechanics at Pulaski Technical College.
Although Don began his teaching career in the Fort Smith schools, the remainder and great bulk of his teaching career was spent teaching social studies in the North Little Rock Schools, from which he retired. He was a proud member of the Arkansas Education Association, the National Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa and other education organizations. For a number of years late in his life, he was substantially involved in local-area Parkinson's support groups. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Conway.
He was predeceased by his parents and his twin brother, Dr. Jon Robbins. He is survived by his older brother, Dr. Jerry Robbins of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Deep appreciation is expressed to numerous caretakers from Home lnstead who provided enormous support in Don's final years.
Funeral services will be on Monday, February 12, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Conway with Rev. Nathan Kilbourne officiating. Burial will be in Crestlawn Memorial Park by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home immediately afterwards. A visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the church at 1:00 p.m. on February 12, 2024.
ln lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Conway, the Jon Robbins Scholarship at the Arkansas Community Foundation (soon to be renamed to honor both Jon and Don) or to any humane society that supports dogs.
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10 Condolence(s)
Marsha Black McClanahan
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Jerry Hal, Don and Jon were my HS classmates and over the years became family friends. They were especially kind to my Mother, Louise Black, after Daddy passed away. When we had cake sales at school, your Mom made the best chocolate cake. I remember your trombone painted green. My sympathy to you over the loss of Don.
Thomas "Boo" McDonald
Monday, February 12, 2024
Very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Don Robbins, one of my very favorite all-time teachers. I attended Don's world geography class during the 1973-74 school year at NLR Ole Main high school...he was an interesting and compassionate educator, he truly had a heart of gold putting up with us teenagers at the time. A few years later, I had the pleasure of attending a summer business class at UCA with Don, when he was working on his 3rd degree, it was fun being a young adult classmate with Don, after being his former student. I also attended church with Don on Sundays in NLR when my two brothers and I were growing up, he was always nice and respectful to us.
Don Robbins was an outstanding role model for young people...may he rest in peace.
Paul Holderfield Jr.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
So Mr. Robbins was less than 8 yrs. Older than I when he was teaching
me & my ‘NLR High School
‘71 classmates.
My goodness when your 18 I guess
Everyone is old.
I know Mr. Robbins taught some valuable information to us as we watched the clock anxious to head to basketball practice.
BUT
His best teaching & what we remember most is his modeling Patience, Kindness, & Love for us. Especially hard headed,
self-centered, knuckleheads like me, and most of the guys.
The girls were perfect & Mr. Robbins was the favorite NLR High School teacher for most of them.
Mr. Robbins was also my favorite teacher & his class the one class I would have attended over the summer if allowed to. It would have been a one hour school day.
Also as far as I can remember Mr. Robbins was the only teacher to ever attend our ‘71 class reunions,
SPECIAL & MEMORABLE.
Love Mr. Robbins.
Phil Pickett
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
In 1970-71, I was a student of Mr. Robbins, world geography, North Little Rock Ole Main High School. He made the class fun and informative, and his class and teaching sprouted an interest in geography and history that continues today. May he rest in peace, and may his family know that even 50+ years later, there are students who remember him fondly and appreciated his devotion to his teaching and his subject matter.
Jay Fortner
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
For several years, I enjoyed having Don as a partner when Retired Teachers conducted mock interviews for UCA seniors. This event was held prior to students beginning interviews for teaching jobs. Rest in Peace, Don.
Dorothy Jean Dornblaser (Hunter)
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Jo Anne Anne Holyfield
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Robbins family was special to me. They were my back door neighbors when they moved to Davis Street in Conway. I got to know the twins after they moved there.
Mr. Hal Robbins was my principal at Conway High School. Many years later I was in a fitness class with Don at Hendrix and enjoyed getting to visit with him there. He had mobility problems but did his best to keep coming to the class and doing the exercises. I admired his courage and determination. I am deeply sorrowed to hear of his death.
Keith Barentine
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
After high school, myself and some friends would show up unannounced at his apartment and 30 minutes later we were eating T-bone steaks and playing spades. He absolutely loved the company even as immature as we were. RIP Mr. Robbins
Pam Fraser Miller
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Was in the same class with both twins. Loved them both!
Prayers to the remaining family members!
Richard Schultz
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
I knew Don from his brother Dr Jerry Robbins. Don was a good and wonderful person. Always has a good stories to tell and his love for dogs. I will contribute to your charities in your name. You will be miss. Heaven will be waiting for you with open arms.