Michael “Frank” Robbins, 76, of Oquawka, Illinois, died surrounded by his family at 4:22 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Frank was born August 2, 1949, in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Melvin Herbert and Ruby Marie (Morris) Robbins.
Frank graduated from Union High School in 1967. He went on to serve with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an Infantry RTO in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade (2/3 Delta) where he was awarded the Bronze Star.
He was wounded in action during a river crossing ambush in December of 1969 for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. After months of recovery from his wounds, he was honorably discharged from the Army on April 20, 1971.
He married Donna Dickens in 1972 and they had two sons. They later divorced.
Shortly after serving in the military, Frank went on to work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with most of his career spent on the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 18 and Lock 19 (where he was promoted to Lockmaster), he later transferred back to Lock and Dam 18 and served there as Lockmaster until his retirement in 2004.
Frank is survived by two sons, Andy Robbins of Sperry, Iowa and Eric (Carey Thacker) Robbins of Oquawka; one brother, Tom Robbins of Oquawka; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Frank was preceded in death by one brother, David “Yogi” Robbins.
Frank was a volunteer driver for the Oquawka Ambulance Service for many years. He also volunteered annually to help put flags on veterans’ graves in the Oquawka cemetery on Memorial Day.
Frank was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, and handyman. He lived for spending time with his sons and helping them with home improvement projects and vehicle repairs. He was a lifelong basketball fan and enjoyed watching NCAA basketball with his brother Tom, and more recently became a big fan of the Indiana Fever. He loved riding motorcycles and traveled the United States extensively with his best friends on many road trips. He also spent several years traveling the country prospecting for gold, traveling as far as the beaches of Nome, Alaska. Frank was also very interested and knowledgeable in local history, the Mississippi River, and genealogy.
Cremation will be accorded. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. A celebration of life will follow at Mama’s Place in Oquawka. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, Illinois. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Stronghurst and Biggsville ambulance services. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com
