ELKHART -- Robert Lawrence "Bob" Robinson, 70, of Elkhart, died at 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 30, 2008) in his home.

He was born June 30, 1938, in Garrett to Russell and Aletta Griffin. On May 26, 1962, he married Judith A. "Judy" Gustin in Kendallville.

She survives along with two daughters, Michelle L. (Rich) Michaels of Bristol and Julie A. (Warren "Buzz") Bolton of Niles, Mich.; one son, James L. "Jim" (Erica) Robinson of Granger; four granddaughters; two brothers, Hugh Griffin of Stroh and Ron Griffin of Florida; and one sister, Betty Gustin of Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his natural parents; adoptive parents, Russell J. and Madge O. Robinson; and one brother, Robert Griffin.

Mr. Robinson was a senior field engineer for GTE for 26 years, retiring in 1991. He owned and operated several small businesses including Robinson Custom Cases, Elkhart, where he hand crafted custom designed display cases for stamp and coin collections, and Robinson Lock and Safe, Elkhart, where he was a locksmith.

He was a graduate of Waterloo (Ind.) High School, attended the University of Chicago and served in the U.S. Army with the 33rd Artillery Battalion in Ansbach, Germany, in the early 1960s as an artillery surveyor. He was an avid stamp and coin collector, active in high-powered model rocketry and performed many high-altitude launches with the Elkhart County 4-H Model Rocket Club.

A gathering of friends and family will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Billings funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Cremation will follow with a private family graveside service at a later date in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, South Bend, or the United Canter Servicesof Elkhart County. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.