COLUMBUS
Marion D. Dobbs was a man of love, empathy and human kindness.
His family members describe him as someone “always ready to help people; always good to his word; always giving more than he ever took from life.”
During a Sunday service the week he died, fellow members of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Columbus (UUCCI) called him “a brave and selfless man; a volunteer who always showed up to help; a positive presence who brought commitment and determination to every task he took on.”
Yet, Marion did not have a smooth and easy life. So much of the goodness in him arose from the difficulties he faced throughout his 69 years of life. He faced challenges that would have brought many to bitterness, anger and isolation. Marion chose hopefulness, joy and a passion to reach out to others in love.
Born January 13, 1952, to Marion O. and Patricia Mae Hart Dobbs, Marion lived most of his early life with his parents and two younger brothers in a home along Wolf Creek Road, west of Columbus. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep, in that same house, January 29, 2021. He had survived cancer in 2008 and had just completed chemotherapy on a second type of cancer in September 2020. By his own assessment, he was “doing well” and the precise cause of death is unknown.
Marion graduated from Columbus High School in 1970. He had begun learning to play guitar at the age of 10 and, by the time he was in high school, he also could play the electric bass and the piano. He became an avid reader and would remain so for the rest of his life. He also became interested in computers from the first desk units to his beloved Macintosh laptop he had the day he died.
After high school, he remained in the family home and helped his parents. His first job was pumping gas at a Kocolene Gas Station in Columbus before getting a job at the former Golden Foundry, where his father had worked in the maintenance department for 38 years
Marion never married but became the caretaker and father figure for his great nephew, Dallas Wilson. Shortly after Dallas was born, his mother, Cherie Dobbs (now Ponce), Marion’s niece, had some difficulties which made her unable to care properly for the child. Dallas was moved to the home Marion shared with his parents, and Marion quickly became the primary caretaker. Dallas ? now a high school junior ? was still in Marion’s care at the time of his surrogate father’s death. Tristan Reeves, another great nephew, also was often in Marion’s care through the years.
In 2015, Marion began attending UUCCI, bringing both Dallas and Tristan to services and youth activities. Marion said he found UUCCI to be “a good fit” for him and his great nephews. For the next five years his participation in various church activities grew, as did his personal connection with other members of the congregation.
Marion served as a “Service Leader” eventually, helping the minister with the Sunday service and offering personal meditations. After Marion’s first time speaking from the pulpit, a member of the congregation complimented him. Marion replied, “Did you hear my knees knocking?”
Marion was somewhat shy and public speaking was not in his natural “comfort zone,” but life’s lessons had made him brave ? not willing to let fear stand in his way.
Marion gradually took on more and more work in the congregation. Each month he worked with a team to provide hot meals for Columbus residents in need. He often prepared the coffee and refreshments at the gatherings after the Sunday service. He assisted with the high school youth group. He served as the volunteer sexton, moving and organizing chairs and unlocking the doors for services.
He is missed by his family and many friends. He was a man who would not let the troubles of life defeat him or even slow him down. He was a blessing to all who knew him.
UUCCI Minister, the Rev. Nic Cable, reflected that “Marion was an example of selfless service and humble leadership. For many in the congregation, the grief of his death has inspired a deeper commitment to his values of kindness, presence, and humility. His life will live on in those who loved him.”
Marion is survived by two bothers, Terry Dobbs and Dennis Dobbs, both of the Columbus area. Along with Dallas Wilson and Tristan Reeves, he is survived by his niece, Cherie Ponce of Columbus and her other three children: David Wilson, Destiny Reeves and Esmeralda Ponce. Also, surviving are another niece and a nephew, Amanda Kay Dobbs-Hopkins and Christopher Lee Dobbs, both of the Columbus area. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are through Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
