Robert W. Durbin

Robert W. Durbin, 94, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022, at Franciscan Hospice House, after an extended illness.

He was born in Shelby County on August 6, 1928, the third of five sons of Emil and Alta (Abbott) Durbin.  He graduated in 1947 from Morristown High School, and he served two years in the U.S. Army in Korea.

He made his career as a journeyman pipefitter for 39 years at Allison Division of General Motors and worked there until his retirement in 1988.  After that, he turned to what he loved best, farming, and made a nice go at that for several years.  He greatly enjoyed the outdoors and nature.  Frequently a dog was by his side to go back to work or check on things.  

Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 69 years, Eva Jean (Raufeisen) Durbin.  He also leaves two sons, Gregory Durbin of Muncie and Ronald (Cathy) Durbin, of Shelbyville, and their grandchildren, Keith (Michelle) England, Janna (Greg) Zobel, and Leslie (Roland) Isaacs.  They had nine great grandchildren.

On October 31, 2015, Bob went on Indy Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with fellow military veterans.  He enjoyed it and frequently spoke of his trip.

He and Eva were active members of the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.

Bob was proud of his 73 years of membership in the Freemasons, and was a member of Farmers Lodge No. 147, F.&A.M.

Also in his retirement, he and Eva joined a few family cruises, to get out and see the world.  He was particularly fond of seeing Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda and the Panama Canal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Alta Durbin, and his four brothers, Harold Durbin, Norman Durbin, Charles Durbin and Leslie Durbin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, in Shelbyville, with calling hours on Friday, September 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery after the service.  A military graveside service will be conducted by the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 East Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville.

For memorials-indy honor flight, PO Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46168

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