Donald Leroy Dolbee

Donald Dolbee Obituary

Donald Leroy Dolbee Athens Donald Leroy Dolbee age 74, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at his home in Rockford, Michigan. He was born January 6, 1935 to Kenneth and Lila Dolbee at their home in Union City, Michigan . Don graduated from Athens High School where he received 16 varsity letters in 4 sports. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1958 and was stationed primarily in Germany . He lived in California after the service until returning home in 1969 where he began working for Consolidated Freightways until his retirement in 1995. He is survived by his brother Jerry Dolbee of Athens, Michigan, two children: son Jeff L. Dolbee of Belmont, Michigan and Dee Clay of Milan, Missouri, 8 grandchildren,step-daughter Julie Miller and husband Kent and their three children of Coldwater, Michigan as well as many nephews and nieces who he was close to. He was married to Dorothy Dolbee (Ramsey) in 1975 until her death in September 1979 and was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim H. Dolbee. Don was an avid sports fan, particularly baseball which he was a summer league coach for Athens for several years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. A visitation is scheduled from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 2, 2010 at the Spencer Family Funeral Home in Athens, Michigan with a Funeral Service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Tom Tanner officiating. Don will be laid to rest in Burr Oak Cemetery located at 595 V Drive South in Athens Township . Family and friends are invited to gather afterwards for food and fellowship at the Congregational Church in Athens , Michigan at 203 W Burr Oak, Athens , MI 49011 . Arrangements by Spencer Family Funeral Home, Athens. www.spencerfamilyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Jan. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Dolbee

3 Entries

Jim Mayo

January 9, 2010

Don was a great guy and a terrific baseball coach. His enthusiasm for baseball was contagious and made us want to play our best, each and every game. He was that rare coach that genuinely cared about us. As I look back on those days, I feel very fortunate and honored to have been part of Don's team.
I'd also like to thank Hannah and Cindy for taking such good care of him.

Hannah Hutson

January 4, 2010

Hi,my name is Hannah.I am 8 years old.My mom was Dons caretaker.Every time my friends and i came over Don would get us ice cream.When i came to his house i cleaned Dons house,dishes,and glasses.Don and me danced to the twist.Me and Don played catch w/ a baseball mostly everyday.My friends and me did dances for him, Don loved it.Don called to talk to me on the phone some days.The most part i will remember is when Don said he loved me.I know that he is in heaven now and with God.
~

Cindy Hutson

January 1, 2010

My name is Cindy, and I was Don's caretaker for the past year and a half, while he lived in Rockford. My job was the MOST rewarding job I have ever had. He and I connected the first day we met. It wasn't long, before we were hugging and saying "I love you" each and every day,as I left. Don brought as much joy to my life, as I brought to his. He was a sweet,caring,feisty,lovable little man. I would visit him 5 days a week for his gas station cigarette & coke runs,trips to the grocery store,and house cleaning. But my favorite thing to do was to simply visit with him. Don loved my "pep talks", as he would call them. We had many special times together and I am so sad that there will be no more visits or phone calls. I honestly feel lost without him. He would call me several times a day to talk. Don had a few nick names for me. Windy Cindy-because he said I talked too much,Food Face-because he said I ate too much, and Party Girl. He made me laugh so hard mostly every day with his hilarious sense of humor. Don adored my 8 year old daughter, Hannah. She would visit with me, on occasion, and when she did-Don would light up. She would play catch with him on his front porch. They made up a game by trying to toss a tennis ball into his mailbox. (Don would win about half the time). Hannah even got Don to dance to the twist in his living room. He could really twist those hips :) Don's favorite food was peanut butter, so I nick named him peanut butter face. We loved snacking on 3 musketeers, which he would call "musketeers". We would act childish together and throw the wrappers onto his floor. We usually chowed down on 3 full sized candy bars, at one sitting, no problem. Don was a great man, one that I will forever miss. I loved that little man with all that I had. When I last saw Don alive on Christmas Eve, The last words he spoke to me,as I was shutting his door, was "Love ya babe". I will never forget that moment and I have countless memories that will live on forever.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results