Gordon Thomas Robbins, MD (69) passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 in Zionsville surrounded by his family after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born to Annabelle Robbins Aldous (Carpenter) and William E. Robbins on September 8, 1949 in Anderson, Indiana. He grew up in Anderson, graduating from Anderson High School in 1967 where he was a successful baseball player learning the craft from famed Dodger, Carl Erskine.
Gordon earned a scholarship to play varsity baseball at Indiana University where he received his BA in 1971 . He was called to tryout for the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates, however, he elected to attend the IU School of Medicine earning his MD with honors in 1975. He was very proud to be an Indiana University alumnus and stayed current with university news. He enjoyed any Hoosier sporting event and was a life-long baseball fan.
In 1987, he married the love of his life Jean, whom he met while they were both working at St. Vincent Hospital. They were married for 32 years, raising 5 children in Zionsville. He enjoyed family vacations to Myrtle Beach, Gulf Shores, Gatlinburg and Phoenix. He could always be spotted with his green jug of sweet tea everywhere he went.
He worked as a family practice physician for 40 years, first as The Village Doctor in Zionsville, and later with St. Vincent Immediate Care in Carmel. He was a faculty member with the St. Vincent’s Family Practice Residency Program, and in 2014 was honored with the Family Medicine Teacher of the Year award.
He was a founding member of the Indianapolis Men’s Senior Baseball League. In 2002, he was recognized with the MSBL Julio Campins Manager of the Year award. Gordon had a keen interest in everything baseball and was actively involved in little league baseball and softball with his children.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and step-father. He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Robbins, his children: Phyllis (Geoff) Roberts, John (Kellie) Davis, Lori (Dan) Heiwig, Grant (Nicole) Robbins, and Austin (Alicia) Robbins, and 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Donald (Molly) Robbins.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2019, which would have been his 70th birthday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zionsville Little League or to Indiana University Athletics (Baseball Program).
Holly Lay says
My deepest sympathies…thinking of you all.
Joan Catalano says
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. He sounds like s very special man. I am sure he will be missed
He leaves behind a lot of special memories enjoy them
Love joan
Pat and Jim White says
So very sorry Grant, Nicole and Annabelle of the loss of a Father, Father-in-law and Grandpa! You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time.. please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can help in this time of sorrow!!
Love Aunt Pattie and Uncle Jimmie
Ron and Sibyl Formyduval says
Austin and Alicia, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shane Caldwell says
Sorry for your loss. Great man, great doctor.
David Russell says
Coached with him at Zionsville Little League.
Awesome man, one of the best.
Barbara Babcock of Calhoun, KY says
I knew Dr Robbins as a patient and later from the St Vincent Clinic. . He was a good man and good doctor. My regrets to the family. He will be missed!
Tom Bumgardner says
I am sad. Its all I can think to say. As a pharmaceutical representative I met Doc during a visit to his office. We ended up talking baseball that very first visit and that was it…he was a buddy.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ll miss you, Doc. #25
Tom Starnes says
What a fantastic guy and one that will be missed greatly. Playing for Doc in the MSBL are some of my favorite memories. God Bless!!
Melisa Cooksey says
So sorry for your loss. He was a very good doctor!
Harvey B Austin says
I played baseball with Gordon for several years in the MSBL league in Indy. He was such a special guy, a great teammate and a true friend. I have one special occasion that only Gordon and I shared. During one game, Gordon came up to me and asked if I would catch him in the ninth inning, I said sure, even though I wasn’t a catcher. Gordon thought it would be great if we set a record for the most experienced battery in our league history, 102 years of experience. He was 53 and I was 59. Gordon pitch a 1 2 3 inning (30+ division). We joked about it every year. I’ll miss him, but his memories will always be with me.
Harv Austin
Dana Marsh Flores says
He delivered our son 28 years ago and took great care of our family when ever we needed him. Condolences to your family.
Linda Cole Dietz says
I followed Doc from his residency, became one of his first patients and continued until he turned over his practice to Dr. Chad O’Nan. He was the definition of what a physician should be. He had a good sense of humor. I and the rest of the earthly world will miss this compassionate and amazing human being. We can trust that God has accepted him graciously in eternity. Prayers for healing and remembrance of great memories for and to his family and other friends.