Thomas L. Robbins

Thomas L. "Tom" Robbins, age 79, of Celina, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

He was born August 10, 1944, in Celina, to the late Roy A. and Opal G. (Monroe) Robbins.

Tom and Mary Jane Perrin were married in December of 1971, and celebrated 52 years together.  She survives, along with their children: Eric (Lori) Robbins, Nikki (Eric) George, Nancee (Mike) Desch, and Kari (Jay) Sowder, and his sister, Mary Robbins.

Tom also leaves behind 11 beloved grandkids: Bryan (Michaela) Desch, Danny (Julia) Desch, Grant (Richelle) Sowder, Kami (Vinny) Miller, Meagen (Kara) Sutter, Ben (Ashely) Sutter, Katie (Keith) Neighbors, Brooke Robbins, Cole (Zoe) Robbins, and Abi and Hudson George, as well as 5 great grandkids: Rowan Sowder, Allen and Cooper Sutter, and Maddie and PJ Neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law: John W. and Naomi Robbins.

A member of the first graduating class of the consolidated Parkway High School (formerly Rockford High School) in 1962, Tom then attended Reppert's School of Auctioneering, graduating in 1963.

Over the years, Tom had been co-owner of Total Electric and worked at the Plaza Bowling Alley.  He sold seed corn off the back of his El Camino truck, and was an excellent butcher, which he also did off the back of his truck.

Tom was a widely known Auctioneer for 62 years and Real Estate Broker for 37 years, operating as Tom Robbins Auctioneer and Real Estate Broker.  He began his auctioneering career with Bill Cisco, and over the years was associated with Doug Florence, Butch Stetler, and Darrel Yoder, and Aaron Siefker Real Estate and Auctioneers, LLC and his crew.  Tom was very proud to see a second and third generation - his son, Eric and grandson, Cole - join his auctioneering team, and will continue the long-standing family business.

Countless area events, organizations, and charities benefited from Tom's volunteer services as auctioneer.  He was an avid supporter of local 4-H, volunteering as auctioneer, as well as purchasing livestock.  The family recalls having to eat many rabbit dinners because Tom had purchased a meat pen of rabbits to support local 4-H.  

Tom was a member of St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, the Mercer County Harness Horsemen's Association, and Celina Moose Lodge #1473.  He was a former Rotarian and Shriner.

Tom loved his Belgian Draft Horses, and raised rabbits.  In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time mowing.  He also was an avid football fan, particularly the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 29, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Mike Husted officiating.      

Tom will be interred on his beloved family farm in Hopewell Township. 

Calling Hours are from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hopewell Grange or St. Paul's Country Church of Rockford.  

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