Donald Lance Robbins

Donald L. Robbins succumbed after a courageous four-year battle with cancer on January 30, 2024. 

Donnie, as we knew him, was a son, a brother and a father. Donnie was born on November 22, 1956 to the late George S. and Dorothea C. Robbins (nee Wiles). Later in life, Donnie spent much time with and was lovingly cared for by his Stepmother, Deborah L. Robbins. 

Not surprising to those who knew him, Donnie preferred working on cars over doing school work. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy. 

Once discharged, Donnie took jobs in auto parts stores or driving trucks, anything that allowed him to work around things mechanical. 

Most of Donnie’s family moved to the St. Charles area in 1978. Donnie eventually joined his family in the area. He married Rhonda Byers for a short period of time and they had a son, Sean. 

Later, Donnie and Betty Long married and enjoyed a much longer relationship. 

It was around this time that Donnie discovered a love for woodworking. And he was very good at it, finding a job where he could put those skills to work. Donnie also helped a number of friends with woodworking projects of their own. 

Donnie went through numerous treatments for his cancer, many of them late-stage drug trials, over four years. Many of these treatments would leave him weakened. But he maintained a positive attitude throughout those treatments. 

Donnie is survived by his mother Dorothea C. Wiles, his Stepmother Deborah L. Robbins and his uncle, Richard Robbins. Donnie also leaves a son, Sean and three siblings; Robert Robbins (m. to Becky; d. Chelsea) of West Palm Beach, FL; Laurali Rideout of Atchison, KS and Kate Lynn Osman (m. to Erik; s. Jacob) of Columbia, MO. 

Donnie had many friends, too many to mention them all. But the family would like to recognize three close friends of Donnie’s in particular who visited Donnie numerous times to cheer him up during his treatments and during his final and most difficult days. These include Chris, Rhonda and Paul.

Donnie, you will be missed.