Gary Dean Robbins

Gary Dean Robbins, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 24, 2025, following an emergency surgery. Born in Kansas, Gary led a remarkable life filled with service, adventure, and deep connections. He was married to the love of his life, Martha "Marty" Eska Robbins, for over 55 wonderful years. Together and on his own, he traveled to more than 60 countries, with Vietnam holding a special place in his heart after visiting there, post his military service.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Gary’s service began at just 17 years old when he enlisted to fight in the Korean War—a decision made possible by some creative paperwork. He later served as a commissioned officer in Vietnam, continuing his military career in the reserves and leaving the Army honorably as a highly decorated Major after a total of 21 years of dedicated service.

Following his military career, Gary successfully ran a business based in St. Louis, MO, specializing in hydraulic-powered hand trucks designed to lift heavy equipment, such as vending machines, up flights of stairs. Later in life, he and Marty relocated to Jacksonville, FL, to be closer to Marty’s Godson, Philip, Janine, Nicholas, and Austin.

After Marty’s passing, Gary found solace and camaraderie among fellow veterans at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Middleburg, FL. He continued to pursue his passion for travel whenever possible and remained surrounded by the love and care of Philip and his family, as well as close friends Joe and Helen Palmer and Maria and Brian Deeds.

He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers (Gene and James); his brother-in-law (Arnold); and his beloved wife, Marty. He is survived by his two sisters, Donna Bradley, of Edmond, OK; Donna's son, David, and daughter, Dana; and Jenny Dahl and her husband, Lauren, of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law, Kaye Robbins (James' wife) and their two daughters, Kelly and Lori; as well as a host of grand-nephews, grand-nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends. Also left behind are dear friends Sharon Habeck and Bob Hart; and cherished friends Patrick and Nancy Alia, whom he met in 1969 at Fort Benning, GA, when Pat was a newly commissioned officer, fresh out of OCS. Their friendship continued both through their Army and professional careers and personally as Pat’s ‘Big Brother’, verbal entertainer and travel guide to Nancy, very special ‘Uncle’ to Philip, Kristen, and Danny and expert political advisor to all.

Gary’s legacy of bravery, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Gary always sounded so much larger than one man could be, but once you met him, you knew people were not exaggerating even a little bit when they said that! How brave to live a life with no excuses, no apologies and definitely no bull. Gary truly lived his life the way he wanted to and probably boasted ‘I did it my way’ when he got to the pearly gates and rejoined Marty.

Gary will be rejoined with Marty on Friday, April 25th @ 11:00 am at the Jacksonville National Cemetery where he will also receive full military honors for his years of decorated service. Gary's family will be hosting a reception/repast immediately following his inurnment at a nearby restaurant/location TBD. We hope you can join us for both to celebrate Gary's life.

The service is at 11 a.m. EDT, but the cemetery has requested that we line up by 10:30 a.m. Upon entering the Jacksonville National Cemetery, please take the first right-hand turn and proceed to Lane 2. We will be escorted to the shelter for the brief service with military honors.

1. Committal Service - https://youtu.be/KY6QBht9b8g?si=s7RTkr8x7mI9SVjy

2. Just the Eulogy - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6xHcG1rbIJ8

3. Committal Service Photos - https://photos.app.goo.gl/f8gVqTXjttGsxk2K6

4. VFW Memorial Service - https://youtu.be/AiuCJNkSxUE?si=ntNUW5ewp6OtS785