On May 19, 1953, Howard Dobbins was born to the parentage of Nathaniel and Georgia Dobbins of Merced, California. Howard lived in Merced for 31 years before departing to the San Jose area where he remained until the Lord called him home on September 7, 2018.
Howard Dobbins happily united in marriage with Vera Mattox on September 28, 1986, his wife of 32 years. During their bond of marriage, they shared four beautiful children: Donna Dobbins of Sacramento, California, Deric Singleton of Chico, California, Howard Placide of Glen Rose, Texas and DeShawn Dobbins of Sumner, Georgia.
Howard was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He was a dedicated Loader Operator for Granite Rock and an active member of the Operators and Engineers Local Union Member #3. Howard was a man of many talents, skills and abilities. He was extremely domestic. He could maintain a home, inside and out: cooking, cleaning, sewing, ironing, while keeping the lawns and property in pristine condition. Howard was truly an artist. He could create and design clothing, earrings, drawings, paintings, and other art forms.
In addition to his immediate family members mentioned above, Howard leaves to cherish his memories his sisters, Ruthie Mae Nutt (Sweetpea), Renee Cottonreader, and Patricia Wilson. He also leaves his special brother Oliver Ervin, Jr., 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a loving host of relatives and friends. Howard was a very devoted husband, father, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street, Merced, California 95341. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church located at 404 West 6th Street, Merced, California 95341. Interment will follow at Merced District Cemetery located at 1300 B Street, Merced, California 95341.
