He was in private practice for 46 ½ years, beginning his career of General Optometry in Shelbyville. Don was also a vital part of the Shelbyville community and held many positions including Past President Knothole Baseball, Past President Jaycees, Past President Sertoma Club, Member Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, and Member Lion’s Club.
Donald Eston Robbins, O.D., 78, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, while on a cruise with his wife, Molly, in DaNang, Vietnam.
He was born April 10, 1946, in Anderson, the son of William E. and Annabelle (Carpenter) Robbins. On June 28, 1975, he married his wife of 49 years, Molly K. Shannon, and she survives.
In addition to Molly, Don is survived by his daughter, Michelle Lynn Robbins of North Carolina and Amy Carlson of Florida; son, Thomas Eston Robbins of Shelbyville; brother-in-law, Ned Shannon and wife, Josie, of Indianapolis; sister-in-law, Beth Oonk of Charleston, South Carolina; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Don loved and leaves behind his golden retrievers, Betsey and Sally.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon Robbins; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Elizabeth Shannon. Don was also preceded in death by his golden’s, Katie, Sarah and Ted.
In 1964, Don graduated from Anderson High School. He continued his education at Indiana University receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1968, Bachelor of Science in 1969 and Doctor of Optometry (OD) in 1971.
Don was a member of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church.
He was in private practice for 46 ½ years, beginning his career of General Optometry in Shelbyville. Don was Board Certified in ocular disease. He participated in school vision screening since 1974.
He was also a very active member of the Indiana Optometric Association where he served as Secretary-Treasurer for 1984-1985, Vice President for 1985-1986, President-Elect 1986-1987, President 1987-1988, and numerous committees since 1972; American Optometric Association; Whitewater Valley Optometric Society; American Optometric Association Federal Relations Committee from 1988 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001; American Optometric Association designated trainer for implementation of the Medicare Fee Schedule - 1992; Participant American Optometric Association Blue Chip Conference - 1988; Participant American Optometric Association Continuum of Excellence Conference - 1989; Past Vision Care Consultant for Indiana Vision Service Plan 1983 to 1985; Past Board Member of Indiana Vision Service Plan 1979 to 1982; Meritorious Service Award of the Indiana Optometric Association 1979 and 1987; Distinguished Service to Optometry Award of the Indiana Optometric Association 1995; Indiana Optometrist of the Year 1990; Indiana Optometric Association Legislative Service Award 1991; Past chairman Indiana Optometric Association Department of Public Information; Past member Indiana Optometric Association Department of Conventions and Meetings; Member Indiana Optometric Association I-Task Force; Past Co-Chair I-CARE PAC; Past member Vision Screening Committee of the Indiana Department of Education; Past Chairman Indiana Optometric Association’s School Screening Implementation Task Force 1986-1987; Past chairman Indiana Optometric Association Department of Legal Affairs; Speaker for Indiana Optometric Association’s Medicare Conference – 1992; Past Chairman and current member of the Indiana Optometric Association Pre-Legislative Task Force; Member American Medical Association Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee – AMA Specialty Society RVS Committee Advisor 1993-1996; Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee member representing the Indiana Optometric Association from 1996 to 2001; Member Review Panel for Indiana Optometric Association Clinical Practice Guidelines; and Incorporator and Vice-President-Indiana Eye Care Network, Inc. where he was Chairman of External Affairs Committee and Clinical Affairs Committee.
Don was also a vital part of the Shelbyville community and held many positions including Past President Knothole Baseball, Past President Jaycees, Past President Sertoma Club, Member Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, and Member Lion’s Club.
He also served his community as a past member of the Shelbyville Central School Board-President 1983-1984. Don was also a member of the Indiana School Boards Legislative Committee – 1986, Shelbyville Lion’s Eye Bank Committee, and President of Shelbyville Middle School Building Corporation; and a life member of the Indiana University Alumni Association.
Don was a fan of Indiana University basketball and football, the Indianapolis Colts and the LA Dodgers. On July 6, 1961, Don was in the Babe Ruth World Series, pitching a no hitter for an 18-0 win.
He enjoyed playing golf, traveling around the world and working in his yard. One memorable event for Don and Molly, was their 25th Anniversary trip to Scotland and Ireland, where Don played golf at Carnoustie and Saint Andrews Golf Courses.
The Celebration of Don’s Life will be at 1:30 pm, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1201 N. Riley Highway, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Friends and family may gather from 12:30 until the time of service, with Father Steven Giovangelo officiating.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1201 N. Riley Highway, Shelbyville, Indiana or for the Facility Dog at Shelbyville High School, in care of Brad Morgan, 2003 S. Miller St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
