Charles Willard Dobbs

Funeral services for Charles Willard Dobbs will be held Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Okemah. Interment will follow at Morse Cemetery north of Okemah. Charles Willard Dobbs was born October 4, 1923 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Charles Henry and Mae Elizabeth (Barnhart) Dobbs. He passed away Monday, September 7, 2009 in Gore, Oklahoma at the age of 85. Mr. Dobbs had been a longtime resident of the Tenkiller Lake area. He and Wilma Lucille Kenneda were married June 16, 1964 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Mr. Dobbs was a retired truck driver having driven for more than 50 years. He drove for Kroger and in 1980 retired from Time D.C. after 35 years of employment. He was a member of the Teamster Union; the American Legion of Tahlequah, OK, and also a member of the VFW. Mr. Dobbs was also a highly decorated war veteran. He served as a master sergeant with the United States Army during World War II and later during the Korean War. Mr. Dobbs was one of only 13 soldiers that survived the battle of Okinawa and participated in the flag rising on the island. He was a recipient of numerous military honors including a Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Medal, and also two Purple Hearts. Mr. Dobbs was a “True American Hero” having received a plaque for his service to his country where many dignitaries were present to honor him. He was a founding member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Russellville, Arkansas and was a member of the Keys Church of God in Parkhill, Oklahoma. He enjoyed making radio controlled airplanes, leatherwork, and woodworking. Mr. Dobbs also loved animals especially, Bruno, Ginger, Ethel, Ugly, and a monkey named Bill. He loved his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry and Mae Elizabeth Dobbs; and one brother James A. Dobbs. Survivors include his wife Wilma Lucille Dobbs of Gore, Oklahoma; two sons, Randy Thomas Dobbs of Russellville, Arkansas and Keith Dobbs and wife Lynn of Russellville; one daughter, Rhonda Kay Sigle and husband Lynn of Dardanelle, Arkansas; three sisters, Linda Mae Morris, Joyce Keeton, and June Burrow; and two grandchildren, Angela Deann Sigle and Austin Dobbs. Members of the family will serve as pallbearers. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah and officiated by Rev. Wilson Peace.

Charles Willard Dobbs

October 4, 1923 - September 7, 2009