From the Muncie Star-Press MUNCIE - The Rev. Robert C. Willbanks, Sr., 88, passed peacefully at Lynd House in Muncie on Thursday, August 21, 2014. How heaven must have rejoiced as RC saw his Lord Jesus and his precious Ruthie! RC was born in West Monroe, LA, on July 5, 1926, the 8th of 9 children, to Robert J. and Elizabeth (Leckie) Willbanks. He was a 1944 graduate of Ouachita Parish H.S. and joined the army after graduation. He fought in the last battle in the Philippines as the Japanese surrendered in August 1945. RC was then sent to occupied Japan. After the war, RC entered Louisiana State University, earning a degree in accounting. Upon graduation, he worked for Tennessee Gas. In 1950, RC met the woman God chose to be his wife, Amanda Ruth Robinson, at the First Methodist Church in West Monroe, LA. Ruth had come there from Muncie, Indiana, to be the Christian Education Director. They married at Madison Street Methodist in Muncie on December 19, 1954. After they wed, RC was called to the ministry and entered Iliff Seminary in Colorado to become a United Methodist pastor. RC and Ruth were partners in ministry for more than 40 years. Their ministry took them to Epps, LA, and then to Indiana churches in Muncie (Madison Street and Industry), Bourbon, Fort Wayne, Zanesville, North Liberty, Kendallville, Atwood, and Hartford City. RC had a gift for bringing people together, and so he was often appointed to churches in need of healing. He made lasting friendships at every church. RC was active in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served as Conference Statistician from 1980-88. Youth ministry was very important to RC, and his children have many wonderful memories of the times he ministered to young people at Camp Adventure and at Senior High School institute. RC was also active in the Emmaus Community, frequently serving on team. RC and Ruth opened their home as foster parents to many babies in need. After retirement, RC was a chaplain at Ball Hospital and volunteered at the Minnetrista Center. He was active in High Street Methodists Update Learning program. RC and Ruth celebrated their fifty-ninth anniversary in December, and Ruth went to heaven in January. RC was intelligent and insightful. He loved his family, friends, and everyone he met with the love of Jesus—deeply and unconditionally. Up until the very end, he remained cheerful and friendly, quick with a smile and a handshake, grateful for every kindness. He was a true southern gentleman. He was a gifted preacher, and his messages from the pulpit were heart-felt and thought-provoking, Bible-based and faithful. He had a wonderful speaking voice, delightfully complemented by his soft Louisiana accent. He had a way of pronouncing God and Jesus that conveyed all the reverence and love he had for his savior. He had a beautiful singing voice. RC was completely devoted to his Ruthie, and their love for one another was rare and special to behold. He was so proud of his family. He absolutely doted on his daughter, Mary Margaret, his Princess. RC taught his son, Bobby, everything there is to know about being a good man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a faithful Christian. Survivors include his children, Mary Margaret Willbanks, Muncie, and Robert C. (Susan) Willbanks, Jr., Monticello; and his precious granddaughter, Kaitlin Willbanks, Monticello; many special in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews; countless friends; and Tipper, his grand-cat. RC was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, and his siblings Mary Willett, Thomas Willbanks, Abbie Leckie, Allah Duncan, Avie Wilhite, Ferol Willbanks, Lettie Howell, and Violet Jordan. Services will be held at 1:00 on Monday, August 25, 2014 at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. A dear friend, the Rev. Dr. Derek Weber, will be officiating. Friends and loved ones may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2014 at the funeral home. To honor RCs memory, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). To donate, call 1-800-554-8583 or donate online at umcor.org or mail a check to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087. Online condolences may be directed to the family at elmridgefuneralhome.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 19:42:38 +0000
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