Herman Thomas Robbins, former Nanticoke chief
Herman Thomas Askuwheteau Chankoowashtay Robbins, 75, of Millsboro died Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.
Herman is preceded in death by his sister, Helena Spanish; and niece, Denise Spanish.
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Myrtle June (Harmon) Robbins; his daughters, Kimberly Nadine Robbins and Tshnina Larue (Robbins) Colón; his son, Sequoya Thomas Robbins; his son-in-law, Henry Colón; his grandchildren Shianna Anita Colón, Dakoda Enrique Colón and Cayden Sequoya Colón; his sisters Shirley Mayfield and April Robbins; two brothers-in-law, Conrad Harmon (Marlene) and Jan Harmon, (Carolyn); three sisters-in-law, Elena Street (James), Beatrice Miller (Freddie), and Lorraine (Bob); and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Born and raised in Wilmington, he was the son of the late William “Buster” Robbins and Cathrine (Norwood) Robbins.
In his early years Herman would spend most of his summers in Millsboro. He enjoyed waterskiing, shows at Rosedale Beach. and most importantly, his sweetheart June. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1962. Herman worked for the City of Wilmington as a code enforcement inspector. He retired in 2005 after 40 years with the city.
After retirement Herman, along with his wife and son, made the decision to permanently move to their summer home on Wilson Myrtle Lane and Layton Davis Road, Millsboro.
Herman was always proud of his Native American heritage and was an active member of the Nanticoke Indian Association. Herman was later nominated and elected to the respectful position of Chief of the Nanticoke Indian Association. He took pride in serving his people. After his years as chief, Herman continued serving on the council until recently, when his health began to deteriorate, and he resigned from his position.
Herman was a pet lover, as the family was always surrounded by at least one dog; sometimes up to three dogs.
He had a passion for camping trips. He, along with his family and friends, would take several trips throughout the year. Some of those trips included the races in Dover, Massey’s Landing, Jellystone, Fort Whaley for Halloween and the biggest trips of the year at Tom’s Cove in Chincoteague, Va. Herman always looked forward to Tom’s Cove so he could get ice cream from Mr. Whippy.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 18, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for viewing and visitation. He will be laid to rest at the Indian Mission Church Cemetery immediately following the service.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in Herman’s memory to the Nanticoke Indian Museum, 27073 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966.
Obituary prepared by Henry Colón, son-in-law. Electronic condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com
