Joe Robbins

Joseph (Joe) Robbins, age 71 of Millington, MI surrounded by family, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father January 31, 2026, under the compassionate care of Covenant Harrison hospital following a brave battle with AML. 

Born May 16, 1954, to Mr. & Mrs. Oscar (Smokey) Robbins in Flint, MI., Joe was a lifelong resident of Millington. After graduating in 1972 from Millington High School, he proudly served in the US Navy as a Machinist Mate on the USS Barney from 1973 -1977. After his honorable discharge he spent a 32-year career at the GM Truck & Bus, Flint Division. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Barber on August 22, 2014. Joe was an active member of the West Forest Methodist Church. An avid duck hunter, he also loved fishing, golfing, and volunteering at the Clio Amphitheater. Always the social butterfly, he could be found spending time with family and friends, one of the greatest passions of his life. This was exemplified by the varied breakfast groups he was part of, church activities, as well as hosting friends and family at the annual Millington Festival parade. Joe was a perfectionist; selfless, generous, humble, and pure in heart.

Joe will be remembered for his meticulous care to detail, his warm way of connecting with everyone he met, his unique sense of humor, and a talent for storytelling that vividly brought his outdoor adventures and family memories to life. For fifty straight years he spent opening day of bass season with late friend Eric Kochenderfer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sheila DuLude; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Left to cherish his memory are wife, Bonnie Robbins; step-son, Eric Alarie; step-daughter, Caitlin Alarie; mother and father-in-law, Emma & Norm Barber; sister, Tami Paul (Jim Brueggemann); sister-in-law, Brenda (Glenn) Sinicki; brother-in-law, Norm Barber Jr.; sister-in-law, Marie (Thomas) Barba; brother-in-law, Tom DuLude; nephew, Jared (Michelle) Paul; special friend and turtle trapping partner, Dave Cook; many special cousins and friends; the Robbins family of Mancelona; as well as his West Forest Methodist Church family.

Joe's family will receive guests at Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington (4823 Main Street, Millington, MI 48746) from 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6th, and from 10 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Hanlin Funeral Home, Millington MI. Following the service a meal will be provided at the Millington Community Center.

Kindly share a memory with Joe's family in the guestbook below.

Joe and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. Address: 4823 Main Street, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

Hanlin Funeral Homes ~ Serving Since 1928