Fred Lee Dobbins, 83, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on January 21, 2024.
He was born on April 15, 1940, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and was raised in Hominy, Oklahoma.
Self-reliant, adventurous, and mature beyond his years, Fred's foundational characteristics were formed at an early age as he spent time hunting, fishing, exploring, and caring for his siblings. He was a dependable, loyal, innovative, ornery, hilarious, hard worker whose hard-nosed gritty side was beautifully balanced with his kind, loving, soft-hearted side.
Fred was proud of his days spent working as a cowboy in Hominy, where he began to develop his strong work ethic. He was an exceptional athlete, teammate, and leader. He earned numerous athletic awards as a Hominy Buck, including All-State honors as one of the top 11 football players in all of Oklahoma. The highlight of his Hominy High School years was meeting Donna Lee Berry, his high school sweetheart, best friend, and bride of 64 years. Together, they built a family rooted in love, support, and unwavering commitment to each other. One of Fred's most endearing qualities was how much he adored his wife, and he claimed his greatest achievement in life was his family.
Fred continued his football career at Independence Junior College, where he and television personality Bill Kurtis still hold the record for the longest touchdown pass of 99 yards. While attending college, Fred began his fulfilling career with Kansas Gas and Electric/Western Resources as a part-time janitor. He worked his way up to Division Manager over his 37-year tenure and was respected for his hard work, dedication, and leadership in the industry.
Outside of work, Fred had a zest for life and enjoyed various hobbies, including golfing, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He loved to cook and everyone looked forward to his biscuits, chicken and noodles, and chocolate cake with his special fudge frosting at family gatherings. Fred was a good-natured competitor, and he achieved five holes-in-one! Being a natural leader, he proudly served as President of the Crestwood CC Board of Directors. He had an adventurous soul and never shied away from new experiences. Fred's loved ones remember him as a steadfast, loving, fun, strong, man of integrity who was a devoted caregiver with a servant's heart and a unique ability to connect with anyone.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Fred will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his children, Pamela Garland, Rebecca Dobbins, and Mark Dobbins (Amy); his siblings, Dean Dobbins (Angie), Norma White, and Dixie Slamans (Robert); his brothers-in-law, Earl Berry and Jerry Berry (Beverly); his sister-in-law, Paula Berry; his grandchildren, Breanna Shine (Avery), Korey Garland (Chelsey), Connor Dobbins, and Graham Dobbins; great-grandchildren, Londynn Shine, Locklynn Shine, Lux Shine, Brooke Ewy, and Quinn Garland; and his adored nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred Dobbins; mother, Mavis Gofourth; father-in-law, J.A. "Art" Berry; mother-in-law, Helen Berry; and brother-in-law, Danny Gus Berry.
Services to honor and celebrate Fred's life will be announced at a later date. Fred lived life to the fullest, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. Memorial donations can be made to Angels Among Us, these can be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
