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Richard Dobbins Obituary
Christian Psychologist
Dr. Richard D. Dobbins, 86, an internationally known Christian psychologist, minister, radio and television personality, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at his home in Naples, Fla., due to heart failure. He founded Emerge Ministries in Akron, Ohio, one of the nation's first Christian Mental Health Centers, which he led for over 30 years. In 2004, Dr. Dobbins founded Richard D. Dobbins Ministries Inc., devoting his time to writing and videotaping the invaluable practical truths God had shared with him.
An acclaimed author, Dr. Dobbins has created numerous film/video presentations that are being taught throughout the world to help believers apply the principals of their faith to the practical issues of their lives. He has written many books, booklets, articles, and audiotapes on Christian mental health care.
He has served on the graduate faculty of Ashland Theological Seminary, as well as University of Akron, Central Bible College, and Southeastern University. As a Staley Foundation lecturer, he has taught on the campuses of various universities and colleges across America.
Clinically, he has counseled over 10,000 people and today was still teaching people worldwide. He also has been featured on numerous television and radio interview programs, such as The 700 Club, PTL, TBN, Crossroads TV, the Canadian National Television Network and Channel 38 in Chicago.
Dr. Dobbins was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores Shumate Dobbins; mother, Ruby Catherine Dean Dobbins; stepmother, Leila Dobbins; father, Worthy Walter Dobbins; and sister, Fern Schonauer. Dr. Dobbins is survived by his wife, Priscilla Adams Dobbins (20 years); a son, William Dobbins and his wife Daralene of Rochester, N.Y.; two daughters, Ilene Myers and her husband Marcus of Stow, Ohio and Sharon Alberson and her husband Ramsey of North Hampton, Ohio; five grandchildren, Evan Dobbins, Renee' Rosales, Ryan Myers, Ross Myers and Heather Alberson; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Ausbury and her husband Phil of Tallmadge, Ohio; brother-in-law, Sam Schonauer of Hartville, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephew, extended family and dear friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at 7 p.m. at EMERGE Ministries, 900 Mull Ave., Akron, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Dobbins
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
5 Entries
Christy Hardy
September 12, 2016
Dr. Dobbins helped my husband and I in the 80s. I was previously divorced 2 times, and he was 1 time. I had a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. We couldn't really afford to go to the Ohio campground in one of the cabins, But out church gave us a gift of the ticket to go, so we gathered up camping gear from different relatives and got a tent spot for only $40. They had a Fri pm program, Len Mink was the music director and singer, and he taught us 2 lessons a Day! What a most life changing experience! He taught in such a manner that made you able to laugh at yourself. We moved a couple of times over the years and took several couples so that they could also get a grip on the practical side of marriage and also the important 5 Love Languages. He'll be greatly missed, but he left us Greatly Educated as well!
September 16, 2014
I know this is really late but I guess as they say, better late than never. I attended the Graduate Counselling program in Ohio in the early 90s. I am from Canada. I really liked my time there and he was a great teacher. I was privileged to be invited to his wedding though I was not able to go. I now work as a clinical psychologist in Newfoundland helping countless people...... I am so sorry to hear of this loss.
June 20, 2014
I am sorry to hear of this great loss to so many people. Dr Dobbins was a wonderful person, I sat in his sunday school class for many years (long ago). He was easy to talk with and helped many people. He will be missed. I am sure my mother(Gladys Golden)is welcoming him into the Kingdom of Heaven. May God be with his famly and friends and keep his arms around them. Oh by the way,for years my Mother called him Dickie Dobbins. Joanne Golden Hoover
Bill Leonard
June 15, 2014
Dr. Dobbins was best man at my wedding years ago. May you be the best man in Gods final wedding. Prayers are with the family.
Lynn & Karen Simler
June 8, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Priscilla, our prayers are with you.
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