Joseph Clemmer Robbins

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Joseph Clemmer Robbins was born Jan. 15, 1936, in Conway, Ark. He died in Petoskey, Mich., at Hiland Cottage, Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. His parents were Joseph G. Robbins and Iva Mae Clemmer. He graduated with a bachelor of art from Hendrix College and attended Chicago Art Institute. He graduated with a master's degree from Indiana University, School of Music in the New Opera Program. He taught voice at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Virginia and at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo. For more than 25 years he was a professor of voice and opera at Georgia Southern University eventually creating his own opera company. He had a significant career in voice as a leading bass at Lake George Opera in New York and St. Louis Opera Theatre. Mr. Robbins was a former soloist and choir member at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Congregation Mickve Israel.
Joseph was a lifelong supporter of the arts, antique collector and animal lover.
Hs is survived by his sister, Dr. Ann Robbins Poindexter and longtime friend Andre Aerne, at whose home he spent many summers in Charlevoix. In retirement he was a resident of Brunswick, Ga.
There will be a service at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, Mich. 49440.