L. Leath Robbins

Pocatello - Dr. L. Leath Robbins, 90, retired Optometrist, passed away at a local care center on Monday, June 27, 2011.

He was born in Moreland, Idaho, December 8, 1920, but spent his life in Pocatello after the age of four. He was the third son of Ralph and Jennie Robbins and also had two younger sisters. He attended schools at Lincoln Elementary, Irving Jr. High, and Pocatello High School, graduating with the class of 1938. While attending the University of Idaho/Southern Branch (ISU), the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred and he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He was a B-24 bomber pilot and flew in Europe. After 40 missions he was assigned to teach instrument flying in Texas. After his military service, Leath attended school in Chicago and graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He returned to Pocatello in 1948 and practiced optometry until his retirement in 1987. He enjoyed Pocatello and was active in community affairs. He was a member of the Pocatello Rotary Club since 1968 and earned the Silver Beaver Award in Scouting. Leath could often be seen at many sporting and musical events. He loved people and enjoyed all his children's activities. He was active in the LDS Church and held several positions, including counselor in the Pocatello Stake Presidency, ward bishop (twice), and scout master.

Leath married Julia Hatch October 13, 1950, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They had six children, Kevin L. (Sandra) of Pocatello, Brett L. (Gail) of Idaho Falls, Jay R. (Pamela) of Upland, California, Bart L. (Susan) of Salt Lake City, Lorna Lee (Ryan Anderson) of St. George, Utah, and Jennie (Kirk Mitton) of Pocatello. Julia passed away in 1977.

Leath later married Dawna Dial in the Salt Lake Temple. She had five grown children and they have a combined total of 11 children, 40 grandchildren and over 40 great-grandchildren. After retirement, Leath and Dawna served an LDS church mission at the Visitors Center in Independence, Missouri. They also enjoyed service as temple workers in the Idaho Falls Temple. Leath was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Julia, three siblings, a step-son Steven M. Bleak, and recently by his grandson, Nolan R. Anderson. He is survived by his wife Dawna Robbins, his six children and one sister, Lela Mae (Wendell) Schey. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Creekside Home Health & Hospice, Access Home Care & Hospice, and the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello for their care and compassion. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel with Bishop Paul Wright of the Pocatello Fremont Heights Ward officiating.

Services will be held at the LDS Chapel on 1422 Gwen Drive at 12 noon on July 5th. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 4, 2011, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th, or prior to the services from 10:30 am to 11:45 am on July 5, 2011, at the church. Following the services, burial will be at the Mountain View Cemetery, with military rights by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.manningwheatleyfuneralchapel.com