Robert Donald Mabbs, 89, of Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD, died January 16, 2015.

Bob was born July 15, 1925, in Salt Lake City, UT; graduated from Manhasset (NY) High in 1942; earned degrees from Cornell University, the College of Wooster (OH), McCormick Seminary (Chicago, IL), University of Pittsburgh (PA), and a doctorate from University of Utah. He served as aviation electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, WWII.

Alice Ruth Gabel and Bob were married January 12, 1951, in Cairo, Egypt, where Bob was teaching chemistry, sociology and ethics at the American University in Cairo. More than 7 years of Middle East teaching included Aleppo College (Syria) and National Evangelical College (Zahleh, Lebanon) as missionary for Presbyterian USA Church.

Moving to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1966, Bob founded and directed the Joint Community Development & Social Work Education undergraduate program between Augustana College and the University of Sioux Falls, receiving the 1971 Outstanding Educator of America Award. In Dell Rapids, SD, he supervised community organization students in a 1969-1975 project to develop community leadership (an interdisciplinary effort involving a dozen Augustana faculty). Bob retired as a distinguished professor for theological integration into college curricula.

Survivors include: two daughters: Bonnie J. (Kevin) Swenson, McKees Rocks, PA, and Cherie (Bob) Goehring, Baltic, SD; two sons: Dick V. (Linda) Mabbs, Minneapolis, MN, and Merrill L. (Brenda) Mabbs, Rapid City, SD; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; niece and nephew. Bob was predeceased by his very beloved wife, Alice, in 2004, and by his parents: John Kenneth and Gertrude Conine Mabbs.

Meeting for Thanksgiving will be held at Spirit of Peace Church, 69th St. and Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. The family requests no flowers, with memorials directed to overseas humanitarian relief of your choice. Bob’s body has been willed to the University of South Dakota Medical School. Condolences may be left at www.millerfh.com