MITCHELL – Willard “Willie” Dobson, 69, Mitchell, passed away Thursday, August 3, at home in the presence of family after a ten-year illness.
Dad was born August 28, 1936, in Orleans, and was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Belva Opal (Turner) Dobson, and numerous brothers and sisters, most recently Marilyn King of Mitchell.
He is survived by his ever-loving wife, Judy, and seven loving children:
Steve Dobson, Mitchell
Susan Dobson, Joseph, Oregon
Shelly Spearman, Atlanta, Georgia
Sheila Grimes, Muncie
Sarah Holiday, Mitchell
Greg Strange, San Diego, California
Krista Hall, Orleans
Dad leaves behind ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren
Dad loved his family and friends. He loved to tell jokes and share laughter. He never knew a stranger and he always had a smile, a joke, and a handshake for you. It was a pleasure to have him as a father, as we are sure it was to have him as a husband and a friend.
Our dad was a proud US Army veteran, having served from 1956-1960. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107 and a proud member of the American Legion Post No. 250 of Mitchell.
For most of his life, he was self-employed. He was a barn painter across southern Indiana for many years. He also farmed, raised cattle, and drove a fuel truck for Mullis Petroleum. For ten years he owned the Unocal 76 station at Four Points in Mitchell until shortly before his illness. He and his wife, Judy, also owned Bow Kay Flower Shop in Mitchell.
As a family, we share great peace in knowing that Dad is in heaven. No more sickness. No more pain. He is healthy for eternity. In life we celebrate two big days, our birth and our death, which frees us for eternal life.
Feel free to join us in celebration of his life, both here and eternal, with visitation from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, and from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, at Chastain Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Pittman officiating. Entombment will be at Cresthaven Memory Gardens with military honors accorded by Cecil C. Martin American Legion Post No. 250 and Marvin R. Davis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.
It will be a great day. We welcome any family and friends to attend. It will be our pleasure to have you share with us. As Dad always said, “No tears or ties, just jeans and jokes.” God bless you and yours!