Harold E. Robbins, 88, of Clearfield died on Saturday at his residence. He was born on Nov. 24, 1922 in Olanta, a son of the late Morris William and Hazel (Litz) Robbins.
He was Baptist by faith.
Mr. Robbins was a very proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and served in England with the 8th Air Force where he was a B-17 crew member. In July 1943, his plane was shot down and severely injured Mr. Robbins and making him a German Prisoner of War for 22 months.
During this time, German physicians cared for his injuries. He was awarded a Purple Heart and was also a member of the Caterpillar Club, which membership was gained by only those whose lives were saved by jumping from a disabled plane.
Mr. Robbins, along with his father and brother Bill, opened and operated a car garage known as Robbins Motors, Clearfield. They also sold Studebaker and Packard automobiles and later sold the Italian Fiat.
He served as the secretary/treasurer of The Clearfield New Car Dealers, Area Chairman for the Pennsylvania Automobile State Inspection meetings and was a life member of the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars John Lewis Shade Post No. 6. He was also a member of the Stalag XVII-B Prisoner of War Group.
He’s survived by a daughter, Carrol Murray and her husband, G. Michael of York; two grandchildren, Adam M. Murray and his wife, Julie of Los Angeles, CA; and Julia L. Murray of Charleston, SC; a great-granddaughter, Keelin; and a brother and two sisters, Robert ‘Bob’ Robbins and his wife, Carol of Clearfield; Connie Peoples and her husband, Barry of Clearfield; and Mitzie Walton and her husband, Frank of Butler.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Delores E. ‘Dee’ (McLaughlin) Robbins on Nov. 21, 2008 and whom he married Nov. 24, 1945 in Hagerstown, MD; a brother, William R. Robbins; and two sisters, Margaret O’Link and Dolores Robison.
A memorial service will be held at the West Side United Methodist Church, Clearfield at 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis officiating.
Military honors will be accorded at the church by the members of the members of the Clearfield American Legion and VFW Posts’ Honor Guard.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Friday at the church.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
