Rev. Dr. ANDREW DONALDSON ROBB III died on June 24, 2023 in Morganton, NC, an 18 year resident in the GRACE RIDGE Retirement Community.  His life spanned 93 years, beginning with his birth on October 16, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA.  He was the only child of Andrew D. Robb, Jr, a banker, and of Anna Schaab Robb, a teacher.  He was called “Don.”  The Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church, of Mt. Lebanon, was important in his formation—baptized there in 1930.

 In his early teen-years, Don was a camper at a Christian camp.  The Bible and prayer were a part of daily life.  In 1943, he experienced God’s call to be a missionary—and that set the course  for his life.  At Lehigh University, in 1950 he was one of the founders of the Lehigh chapter of Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship.  He graduated in 1952 with a BS in Civil Engineering.

 He studied at Princeton Theological Seminary leading to a Masters in Theology in l955.  On June 5, 1954, he married Eleanor Mae Cramer, a RN, who also had a call to missions.  She was the love of his life.  Their first parish was a “National Mission” of the Presbyterian Church in Limestone County, Alabama from 1955-58.  Then, the Presbyterian Board Of Foreign Missions sent them to South America, and from l959-1979 they lived in Colombia and Venezuela.  His work involved many duties including organizing, preaching, teaching and counseling many people during his missionary career. In 1979, the Robbs moved to Birmingham, AL where Don was the organizing pastor of the Riverchase Presbyterian Church until his retirement in 1993.  At Columbia Seminary, in 1986, he earned a Doctor in Ministry.   In 2005, the Robbs moved to Morganton.  Eleanor was diagnosed with dementia and died on 4/14/2019.  Don was her faithful companion and provided loving support for her till the end.  The family wishes to thank the residents and staff at Grace Ridge for helping make Don’s final years comfortable and enjoyable.  They also extend their deep appreciation to Dr. David Abernathy, MD for his kind care over all the years.

Their three children are:  Susan R. Flaherty (Barry), Carol R. Kerrigan (Patrick), and Mark A. Robb (Beckie)—all three raised in S. America.  As grandparents, Don and Eleanor were so content with their grandchildren:  Scott Robb McConoughey (Rachel H), Rachel G. McConoughey, Kent James McConlughey (Alison); Andrew Clayton Robb (Kati) and David Matthew Robb (Audrey).  In addition, he is survived by nine great grandchildren.  Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He enjoyed the family reunions when the extended family was able to gather together.

 A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 14th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton. Mr. Robb’s ashes will be placed in the columbarium of First Presbyterian Church of Morganton alongside Eleanor’s.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton; 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC  28655.

 While in primary school, Don began his relationship with Jesus.  He sensed it in the words of Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the secret place of The Most High, shall abide under the shadow of THE ALMIGHTY!”  Indeed, GOD is dependable.   Thank YOU, Lord Jesus. Praise God!!  Amen.’

 

An online obituary and guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.