Maurice V. Tobin

Major Maurice Vernon Tobin, USAF, Retired, passed away in his home in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the age of 84. Maurice was a beloved member of his community, known for his warm personality and genuine affection for the people around him. He had an extensive circle of friends whom he considered his extended family, including favorite restaurants like the Waffle House, Applebee's, and Jack's, among many others.

Born on March 12, 1939, to Michael and Helen (Price) Tobin in Sturgis, South Dakota, Maurice grew up to be a man of remarkable accomplishments. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1957 and went on to earn his degree in Pharmacy from South Dakota State University in 1961. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity in college. He also earned a Master of Science in Management in 1981 from Troy State University. His dedication to service led him to join the United States Air Force on May 26, 1962, where he embarked on a distinguished career.

During his tenure in the Air Force, Maurice served several tours in Vietnam as a B-52 Bomber Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer, demonstrating exceptional bravery and commitment to his country. Additionally, he was tasked with missions in Vietnam aboard the MC-130 gunships. He served aboard the Looking Glass airborne command post on the EC-135 aircraft stationed out of Ellsworth AFB. Post Vietnam, he was stationed at Hurlburt Field in Florida where he was assigned with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.

His exemplary service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal with two Oakleaf Clusters.

Beyond his military career, Maurice was also a licensed pharmacist, a profession he pursued with diligence and compassion. On November 15, 1989, Maurice survived an F4 tornado that struck the pharmacy where he was working in Huntsville, Alabama. Above all else, he cherished his roles as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Maurice is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Helen (Price) Tobin and his sister Mary Alice Miles. Since Maurice's death, his brother Leroy Tobin and sister Dorothy Audiss have also passed away. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Tobin; and his children from a previous marriage to Marilyn Sue Wright Tobin Gibbs, Kenneth L. Tobin, Douglas S. Tobin, and Ann Elizabeth Tobin Kurtz, as well as his six grandchildren; Danielle Joni Tobin, Cole Tobin, Mitchell Kurtz, Mathew Kurtz, Nathaniel Tobin and Joseph Tobin, and his four great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Devin, and twin boys, Aero and Elliot.

A memorial service to honor Maurice's life will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery, located at 20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, South Dakota, 57785 on July 11, 2024 at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be mailed to Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Development Office, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL, 36117 or sent online at www.asf.net/donate and follow the link in the confirmation email indicating your gift is in memory of Maurice Tobin.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival was dear to Maurice’s heart and he loved going to many plays over the years. Maurice's spirit of generosity, kindness, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.