David Lee Dobbs passed away November 22, 2017 at the age of 79.
David was born August 18, 1938 in Oklahoma City to Everette and Jenna (Sprankle) Dobbs. His father Everette was the manager of Armor Meat Packing while his mother Jenna took care of things at home. Growing up with sisters Barbara and Zura, David was fortunate to spend time in Oklahoma City, North Dakota, Chicago, and Fort Worth with their dad’s work. Every summer the family went camping in Estes Park, Colorado. He had a well-rounded high school career, being involved in sports like track and football as well as being first chair violin in the orchestra before graduating with honors in Fort Worth. After spending a year in the Marines (ten years in the reserves), David attended Oklahoma State for a year and then TCU where he received two bachelor’s degrees in business and history.
David was an expert in estate planning and trust management, which allowed him to experience life in many different states. He started out working at Fort Worth National Bank before moving to Citizen’s Bank in Farmington New Mexico as Trust Manager. He was then off to First Bank and Trust of Bryan. He returned to Citizen’s Bank in Farmington, New Mexico as President. David resumed his trust management and financial planning career at Alaska National Bank in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska. On more than one occasion he hitched a ride to work in rural Alaska by a mushing team. While in Alaska, David became very involved in the Rotary Club and Boy Scouts. He was very proud of his work with both, serving as president of the Rotary and on the board of Boy Scouts.
David was a quiet man who enjoyed good food and classical and opera music. Pavarotti and Placido Domingo were his favorites. Estes Park, Colorado remained his favorite place to spend time – along with the mountains of western Colorado and his cabin in Durango. They offered him time to practice the downhill skiing and hiking he enjoyed so much. He continued his involvement of all his favorite sports: slow pitch softball, golf, bowling, and racquetball even after seven bypass surgeries.
David deeply cared about people and grew strong in his Christian faith. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Mary Dobbs, his daughter and son-in-law Bonnie Dobbs and Dennis Berry of Corpus Christi, his daughter Denice Johnson of Austin, Texas, his son and daughter-in-law Lee and Connie Griswold of Denton, his son and daughter-in-law John and Kelly Johnson of Franklin, Texas, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Mike Dobbs.
To honor his life, there will be a graveside service Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 2 PM at College Station Memorial Cemetery.