Lester W. Robbins, 93, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, in Evanston, surrounded by family and friends. Lester was born May 19, 1926, in Spring Valley, to James W. Robbins and Jenny Carpenter Boan Robbins.
He was a 1944 graduate of Mountain View High School. Lester went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1943 for summer work and continued his career with the UPRR, retiring in 1985. Lester was a veteran of the Army, where he served from 1950 to 1952, with an honorable discharge in the C Co. 83rd Engineer. Lester was stationed in France and Spain during the Korean conflict; he was very proud of his time in the Army.
He met Jackie McCormick in Evanston, and they married in Evanston in April 1955. Many people may not know, but Lester was also a poet, writing many prolific poems that have impacted his family in many ways. Lester was always a man of his word, even though he didn’t have much to say.
Lester touched the lives of many people, and those who knew him will have a hole in their lives — his smile, his dapper looks and his signature flannel and suspenders will forever be in our hearts. Lester may be gone but will never be forgotten. ’Till we meet again, our “GANDY DANCER.”
He is survived by three sons, two daughters, two sisters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; a sister; his wife, Jackie; his longtime companion, Glenna; a son-in-law; and a daughter-in-law.
Services will be at a later date.
