Phillip Irwin Robbins, 85, of Victoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday, December 5, 2025, at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.
He was born July 13, 1940, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of Howard Irwin and Fern (Norton) Robbins. Phillip joined the Illinois Air National Guard September 14, 1957, while still attending high school. Phillip graduated from ROVA High School in 1958. He then continued to serve in the U.S. Air National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1963. Over the years, Phillip worked in sales, construction, engineering, farming and was an active member of the Victoria-Copley Fire Protection District. He married Anne E. Moriarity on August 26, 1961 in Geneseo, Illinois.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 64 years, Anne Robbins of Victoria; four sons: Tim (Amy) Robbins of Victoria, Ed (Barb Grawe) Robbins of Victoria, Jim (Mike West) Robbins of Leander, Texas, and Thomas (Katy) Robbins of Brookfield, Wisconsin; three daughters: Marggie (David) Coan of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Mary Ellen (Paul) Gauthier of Leander, Texas, and Nancy (Dwayne) Windham of Bothell, Washington; seventeen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ann (Debbs) Ohl of Trego, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A devout Catholic, Phillip was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Wataga, Illinois. In his earlier years, Phillip was a licensed pilot who loved to fly. He was a dedicated enthusiast of model trains. Phillip was also an avid shooter. His athletic spirit was evident not only in his shooting practices but also in his love for golfing. In addition to his numerous hobbies, Phillip also had a remarkable talent for woodworking and all things mechanical.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. following the visitation. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wataga. Father Deus-Dedit Byabato will officiate. Burial will follow at Robbins Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
