Thomas J Dobyns Jr.

Thomas J Dobyns Jr., 87, died unexpectedly on April 12, 2014, in Centralia, WA. He was born on May 2, 1926 to Thomas J Dobyns, Sr. and Irene R. Motter and was a second generation, lifelong resident of Chehalis.

Thomas lived his life on the family homestead. He attended school at Forrest, WA, and before graduated from Chehalis High School in 1944. Before graduation he drove the local school bus and was very proud to this day of seeing “kids” he had on his bus. He joined the Navy in 1944 and had many stories of his time spent in San Diego and Coronado. Thomas was a 4-H leader for many years, and worked at Trodahls’s Market where he honed his meat cutting skills before setting up his own meat cutting business. He was also a longtime member of the Chehalis Eagles, joining in 1947. He retired from the Lewis County Maintenance shop on the Forest-Napavine road. He fondly reminisced about his time at the shop and met many life-long friends there.

Thomas is preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister Thelma and his brother Howard.

He is survived by his loving companion and dear friend Louise Carpenter, his brother Lloyd, his children Thomas J Dobyns III, Robert Dobyns, Gayle McGee, his grandchildren Joe Dobyns, Tami Elwin, Matt and Willy McGee, Robert and Michael Dobyns. He is also survived by his former wife Pat Dobyns, his great grand-children and many nieces and nephews who were always there for him. He cherished his family and friendships and we are all so proud and lucky to have had him for a dad, grandfather, uncle and friend.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia. A graveside service will follow at Claquato Cemetery, Chehalis. Following the graveside will be a reception at the Chehalis Eagles. Services are under the care of Sticklin Funeral Chapel.