Douglas Robins

Douglas (Doug) Edward Robins Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and businessman crossed over last month on January 20th, 2024 after a courageous battle with a long-term illness. He was 53 years old.

Doug was born on January 13th, 1971, in Baton Rouge, LA, to the late Samuel and Lizzie Hayes Robins, as their 14th child and youngest boy. He grew up in Baton Rouge, and was a proud alumni of Capitol Senior High School (‘89). 

Doug will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and grit. From a young age, he worked under his father at his family business, Robins Tree Service, and as a young adult, he owned and operated his own spin-off of the family business, as well as a successful sno-ball and convenience stand in the area. In the early 1990s, his entrepreneurial drive led him to focus full-time on becoming the proud owner of a mortgage company in Baton Rouge, and he dedicated two decades to the real estate and mortgage industries, where he found his purpose in helping countless local families achieve the American dream of homeownership. He was also active in the Baton Rouge community where he proudly served as a member of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board and served on the Board of Directors of the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC). 

In addition to his professional achievements, Doug was blessed with four children: Chelsi Williams Monk, Nicholas Edward Williams, Douglas Edward Robins II, and Soledad Elizabeth Robins. He shared a loving marriage of 32 years with his wife, Katherine Shelton-Robins. He is survived by his wife, his four children, their spouses (Joshua Monk and Brittany Williams) and his five grandchildren: Joshua Monk Jr., Jasire Monk, Nicholas Edward Williams Jr., Bailey Nuchelle Williams, and Kensley Renae Williams.

Doug was a firm believer in the transformational power of education, and it was raising his four young children that pushed him back to school where, as an adult, he completed his undergraduate degree as well as a MBA, while concurrently operating his mortgage company full-time, and raising his family. 

Beyond his achievements, Doug will be fondly remembered for his infectious sense of humor, his uncanny ability to charm his way into anyone’s good graces, his love for a good cigar, as well as his genre-defying music tastes (Elton John, Sam Cooke, Etta James, Gladys Knight, the Bee-Gees, Andrea Bocelli, Dolly Parton, Hootie & the Blowfish, Al Green, and The Chicks, were some of his favorites to give a sample). 

A joyous Celebration of Life reception will be announced at a later date for the coming months, where we will honor and celebrate Doug’s remarkable life in a manner befitting his vibrant spirit. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Douglas Robins to: Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation, 7732 Goodwood Boulevard Suite 204, Baton Rouge, La 70806.  Donations may also be made online at https://urecbr.com/donate/   

To know Doug was to love him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who have had the privilege of knowing him.