Harold Dobby Dobson

Harold, “Dobby” Dobson, 93, died at 11:22 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2012 at Heartland Health Care, Galesburg.    Dobby was born in Prairie City, IL on September 2, 1919, to Raymond James & Lela (Forshee) Dobson.  He spent his childhood on a farm and attended Country School for 8 years.  Then he attended Biggsville High School and Little York High Schools for 2 years.    He was a very proud veteran, serving 5 years in the US Army from 1940 – 1945, 2 years in the European Theatre during WWII, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal; American Defense Service Ribbon; European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, with 1 Silver Battle Star; 3 Overseas Service Bars; 1 Service Stripe; and the rank of T Sargent .  He took great pride in marching in the Galesburg Veterans Day Parade each and every year.  Dobby was a 50 year pin member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 and a member of Father J.O. Hunt Council 556 Knights of Columbus.   He married Evangeline Noe on October 14, 1945 in Galesburg.  She preceded him in death on October 12, 2005.  They were married for 60 years.   He is survived by two brothers, Richard and Dale Dobson, both of Burlington Iowa, and numerous nieces and nephews.    He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, four sisters, and two brothers.  He leaves behind a dear friend, Charlotte Charno.   Dobby worked as a carpet mechanic for Blaine Gorham Carpeting in Galesburg for 15 years and a manager for 6 years.  He then worked for National Speaker Company in Denver, Colorado for 12 years as a manager.  Dobby was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was an avid bowler and loved to dance.  He was beloved by his family and friends, and will be remembered as a dear, sweet man. Visitation will be held at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7 pm, with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Saturday at 10 a.m.  Msgr. Rev. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens where military honors will be conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 Honor Guard.  The family requests memorial contributions be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.