Jerry Dobbins

Jerry W. Dobbins left this world on the wings of his Harley on Sunday, March 27, 2016. He died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while traveling with his fiancée in Yuma, Arizona. He was born on November 15, 1950 and was raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Growing up Jerry was always surrounded by friends. From his childhood days at Martindale Elementary through his teen years attending Benton Harbor High School, he was always carefree and fun loving. Jerry graduated high school in 1969 and joined the Marine Corp shortly thereafter. He served his country proudly during the Vietnam War. He married Phyllis Pearson in 1970 and his son, Jerry W. Dobbins, Jr. (J.W.) was born in 1971. After serving in the Marines, he returned to the St. Joseph area with his family and subsequently moved to Three Oaks. He was a proud father and enjoyed his son’s wrestling and football activities during his growing up years. He married Karen Paulsen in 1991 and they made their home in Galien, Michigan. They shared many years together with their beloved dogs and put many weekend miles on Jerry’s Harley. Jerry worked as a machinist for Hess Engineering. His job required traveling within the U.S., as well as abroad, with extended stays in Mexico, China and India. He loved the opportunities that traveling offered, but missed his home and family life. Just recently retired, he was enjoying fishing (almost daily) and no alarm clock to answer to! With his motor home and Harley close behind he had set out to enjoy carefree days on the open road with his fiancée, Patricia “Trish” Phelps. Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Tom, in 1996; his mother in 2003; his brother, David, in 2004; his father in 2009; and his wife, Karen, in 2014. He is survived by his son, Jerry (Sherri) Dobbins, Jr. of Stevensville, MI; his granddaughter Morgan; and his grandson, Brock. He is also survived by his sister Wanda (Gene) Wagester of Pittsburg, PA; his sister Linda (Steve) Pyatt of Hillsboro, MO; his sister Margaret (Fred) Lange of Fort Myers, FL; and his brother Jim (Donna) Dobbins of Fort Wayne, IN. Also left to cherish his memory are his fiancée, Trish, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and biking friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 at Swem Chapel  301 W. Front Street, Buchanan, MI. To sign his guest book or leave a condolence message please visit www.swemchapel.com