Dr. Robert Mark McBain

Dr. Robert Mark McBain obituary

Dr. Robert Mark McBain

Robert McBain Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremation Society - The Villages/Spanish Spring on Oct. 30, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Dr. Robert Mark McBain

August 14, 1946 ~ October 26, 2025

Dr. Robert Mark McBain, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, teacher, mentor, and Minister of Music, entered the Church Triumphant on October 26, 2025, at 79.

Born on August 14, 1946, in Pine River Village, MN, Robert dedicated his life to glorifying God through music, education, and ministry. He pursued studies at Arizona State University (B.A. in Education, 1973), the University of Redlands (Master of Music, 1979), and the Internationale Sommerakademie at the Mozarteum in Salzburg (Diploma, 1978). He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University in 1981, with his dissertation "The Choral Music of John Rutter: Analysis and Performance Practices." Post-doctoral studies continued at the Eastman School of Music.

An ordained minister, Robert faithfully served churches more than 50 years including Grace United Methodist Church (Atlanta, GA); First United Methodist Church (Houston, TX); Carmel UMC (Carmel, IN); Christ Church (Memphis, TN); Galloway United Methodist Church (Jackson, MS); St. Timothy UMC (Mandeville, LA); and First UMC (Spring Hill, FL). Upon his retirement in 2017, he and his wife Ann moved to The Villages, FL, where he continued to share his gifts at New Covenant United Methodist Church as a congregant, choir member, guest conductor, and member of the choir council. His guiding conviction was that excellence in music is an offering of praise to God, and that ministry begins with loving the people God places in our care.

A gifted teacher and conductor, Robert sang with the Roger Wagner Chorale in Los Angeles (1973–79) and on the Hour of Power with Rev. Robert Schuller at Garden Grove Community Church, California, while directing music at Knott's Berry Farm theme park. He held teaching positions at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri (1981–82), Manhattan High School in Kansas (1982–84), Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, IN, Carmel Junior High in Carmel, IN, and schools in Olive Branch, MS, influencing generations of students with his love of music and his devotion to Christ. He conducted numerous choruses, including the Carmel Symphony Chorale in Indiana (1986), and also sang as a chorister with the Atlanta Symphony Chorale (1985). He later directed the Music at Carmel Concert Series beginning in 1991.

Robert's artistry led him to conduct symphony orchestras in Atlanta, Fort Wayne, Memphis, Mississippi, Phoenix, Oklahoma, and New York. He appeared with the Indianapolis and Texas Chamber Orchestras and the Mozarteum Orchestra in Salzburg, Austria. His career milestones included conducting Verdi's Messa da Requiem at Carnegie Hall (2005), Handel's Messiah in Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve (2007) - where he was named an honorary citizen of Bethlehem - and Mendelssohn's Elijah with the Radio and Television Orchestra in Athens, Greece (2009), at the invitation of the Greek government.

Though music was his vocation, Robert's zest for life extended well beyond the podium. He earned his pilot's license, was a certified scuba diver, parachuted, boated, played golf, and owned a racehorse and the #2 Indy Pace Car from 1989. At the heart of his life, however, was his family and the countless people he mentored and loved as Christ loved.

Dr. McBain was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Leroy Doward McBain and Olive Ann Fountain, and his sister Marianne Barrett. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann West McBain; his son, William Alexander McBain (Stacy); four grandchildren, Troy Alexander (Hannah), Ryan Foster (Megan), Bryce Ann (Josh), and Tyler Scott; one great-grandson, Dale Matthew; siblings Dr. Loren McBain, Dr. Melissa McBain, and Joy Nolte (Willie); and numerous nieces, nephews, students, and friends.

Robert has now joined the heavenly chorus, where faith is made sight and song is perfected in praise before the throne of God. His legacy lives on in all who experienced his music, teaching, leadership, and love.

A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held November 8, 2025 11:00 AM at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162. The family requests that any memorials be given to the Music Ministry of the church. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Robert McBain's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 7, 2025

Joy Rosati posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2025

Paige Rosen sent flowers.

November 3, 2025

Laurel Colpitts posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Joy Rosati

November 7, 2025

My condolences to wife Ann and all his family. He shared his expertise and joy of music with NCUMC, especially with the choir. He was such an accomplished leader.

Tranquil Moments Peace Lily

Paige Rosen

Sent Flowers

Laurel Colpitts

November 3, 2025

I sang under Bob at St Timothy UMC. I´ll always treasure singing on Christmas Eve in Manger Square. My condolences to Ann.

Gail Polonus

October 31, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about Bob. I was in the NCUMC choir where he also sang, occasionally directed, and always shared with us his humor and dedication. I pray for strength, courage, and peace for all of his family and friends. You all have my deepest sympathy.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Robert McBain's name

How to support Robert's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert McBain's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Robert McBain's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 7, 2025

Joy Rosati posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2025

Paige Rosen sent flowers.

November 3, 2025

Laurel Colpitts posted to the memorial.