Dustin Dean Dobbins
August 03, 2021
Dustin Dean Dobbins, 43, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 after a short, unexpected illness. He was born on July 12, 1978 in Ottumwa, IA, the oldest child of Randy and Cathleen (Green) Dobbins.
He grew up in Sigourney, IA and graduated from Sigourney Jr. Sr. High School in May of 1996. On a football scholarship, Dustin attended college at William Penn University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. He had a true passion for sports, and along with football, was an avid weight lifter, and loved to play softball.
Dustin began his career working in law enforcement in Keokuk County and Muscatine County. He served active duty in the United States Army as an Infantry NCO and Officer from 2004 - 2019. During his military career, he was stationed at FT. Benning, GA, FT. Richardson, AK, and FT. Leonard Wood, MO. He completed two deployments from 2006 -2007 and from 2012-2013. He held leadership assignments from Infantry Team Leader up through Infantry Company Commander. Dustin was currently the Commander of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and stayed active in attending many veteran events throughout Iowa. “Veterans Helping Veterans.”
After returning from the Army, Dustin purchased a home in Waukee, IA to be close to family.
Dustin loved his family – he was proud of his kids, his sister was his best friend, and he loved his mom. He also ran “Dustin’s Day Care” where he spent hours spoiling his nieces.
Dustin is survived by his three children, Cedric (Jillian Huser) Dobbins of Indianola, IA, Gavin Dobbins of Ollie, IA and Trinity Dobbins of Stuart, IA; his mother and stepfather, Cathy and Steve Lippard of Sigourney, IA; his brother, Jesse Dobbins of Sigourney, IA; his sister, Amy (Chris) Rohde of Waukee, IA; nieces, Sadie, Adelyn and Karsyn; stepmother, Helen Bombei-Dobbins; step-brothers, Matt (Heather) Bombei; Steven Lippard, and Ryan Lippard; step-sisters, Heather (Casey) Bilden, Mindy (Shane) Morse, and Val (Brown) Montague; and many, many more family members and friends who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Randy; his four grandparents; and the many fallen friends he served with.
Dustin lived his life to the fullest. He pushed limits, extended expectations, and left an impression on everyone he met. He was magnetic – and he will be missed.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service on Wednesday, August 11 at 12:30 p.m. Dustin will be laid to rest with military honors at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, located off the Van Meter exit, at 2:00 p.m. following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the family to be designated to a local Veteran’s charity.
Donny Bigham
09/09/2021
It was truly an honor serving the Soldiers of Baker Boyd with you as a leader and warrior! My prayers and condolences are with your children, family and friends during this time of suffering. I pray God will wrap his loving arms around your family during this significant loss in their lives and rejoice on all the times of joy! Until we meet again on the high ground, God speed, Can Do, Baker Boys, Baker 6 Out! RLTW
Greg 'Slim' Tremmel
08/19/2021
Dustin, What a great friend growing up. You were always faithful to your upbringing, never forgetting where you came from. How little did I know that we would lead such similar lives after graduation. I wish I would have done better to keep in touch. We may have been deployed together and just never knew. I know you were an amazing brother in arms because you always strived for greatness. It is an honor to know that I served alongside of you for our nation, as a classmate, a brother in arms, and a veteran. Thank you all Dobbins Family for your sacrifice as Dustin served with honor. My heart goes out to all of Dustins family and loved ones. Rest in Peace, Never Forgotten!
Ashlee Ayers
08/07/2021
Amy & family, my heart breaks for you. I can't begin to understand what you are going through and I know whatever I say will never be enough. Just know there are so many people who love you and are praying for you,me included. Hugs - Ashlee
Torre
08/07/2021
Dustin,
Be thou at peace. My condolences to your loving family and those who are fortunate to know you as a friend, leader, and more. You will be missed by us all, but never forgotten. I love you brother.
Baker Boys
RTFU
- CPT Torre
B. Co., 1-15IN, 3ID
Debi n Rick Linck
08/06/2021
Goodbye Hero! RIP Geronimo, your teammates have it from here. Apparently God needed one more Geronimo Angel to guard the heavens! You will be missed by all. We are heartbroken at your passing. Sending prayers, hugs n love to your family, friends, and teammates. Thank you for your service n being a teammate of our son Henry. I Hope he was waiting at the heavenly gates for you with a salute! God bless you and thank you for your service and the positive way you touched lives. Your legacy will live on, Sir ! Gonna miss you .. Love Debi n Rick Linck (Gold Star Parents of SSG Henry Linck, 3rd/509th)
Anna Peiffer
08/06/2021
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the gift of memories he left for you and the love of family and friends give you comfort in the days ahead.
.Dan Velikaneye
08/05/2021
Was a crazy good dude back in high school when I met him, rest easy Army brother!
Katy
08/05/2021
There are no words to express what you meant to me in the short amount of time we had together. You are the one person that truly made me feel safe to be myself. From your brutally honest side, to your sad side, to your big soft teddy bear sideit was YOU that made me feel so incredibly loved!!! I will never forget it and I am truly honored that I got to be by your side to the bitter end!
I absolutely love you with every fiber of my being!!! I will forever miss you and will strive to make you proud!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Josh
08/05/2021
You was 1 bad dude !! A real mans man , loyal to the end ! You will be deeply missed by the people whos lives you touched . Rip Big D ❤
" Poppy " Crandall
08/05/2021
In a short time I gained a true friend and came to know a real American hero. I will miss our conversations and friendship.
Till Valhalla Brother.
Deborah
08/05/2021
2 weeks ago you showed up on my doorstep with lunch and flowers.we had the best chat that we have ever had over the past 3 yrs.
I will always remember what you said.
I love you. I will forever miss you.
Can not believe you went before me.
Always
Panda's Mom
08/05/2021
Dustin I only know you as the pitcher on my son's softball team. I have heard many stories from him and some of your teammates. God must have needed a pitcher for his softball team...and he took one of the very best to fill that position. You had a huge personality and a huge heart. I can tell from their stories that you were someone they all looked up to and respected very much. Their team will not be the same without you. You touched so many people, and there will be a hole in all of the hearts you touched. May your family and friends find peace in knowing how much you were loved. Rest in peace young man...your legacy will live on forever in the lives of everyone you touched.
To A Great Neighbor!
08/05/2021
Every time I would be in my backyard Dustin would always make a point to reach out and chat.....I wish I would've had more beers on our decks! God speed my friend, your neighbors are deeply saddened and shocked!! You will always be in my thoughts and prayers when I tip back a New Glarus!
Jessica Menster
08/05/2021
Dustin I cant explain how I feel. I will miss your smile, your face, everything. You are so loved. Always remember our day- July 11.
I hope you have found peace and continue to watch over those of us who loved you here.
My prayers and love go to Dustins family. There are no words for your extraordinary loss. He was an amazing human being.
Carmel VandenBerg
08/04/2021
My family and I have been talking about our memories with you. I have some from growing up and always hanging out with Amy, but some of my favorites were more recent than that. We loved when we took our trip to Missouri and you took the time to come out and eat with us at Waffle House and then took us to Slice of Pie! My kids still talk about how amazing that was and how much they loved your dog! Always loved your pit stops in Ottumwa to use our bathroom just so you could stop and visit, and of course the countless Facetime chats! You were always interested in hearing about what the girls were doing with their sports and stuff. Macie even mentioned how much she loved that you came out to her softball tournament, even when it was rainy. We all will sure miss you!