Melvin G Dobbins Sr.

Melvin Glen Dobbins Sr, 97 of Oberlin, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord and
reunited with his beloved wife, Joan on July 5, 2026. He was born March 31, 1929, in
Perkins, West Virginia, a son of late Lele and Jennie Cunningham Dobbins.
At just 16 years old, Melvin lost his father and left school to help support his family. Despite
this hardship, he remained a lifelong learner, a quality reflected in the many and varied
accomplishments he achieved.
Melvin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Eustis in
Newport News, Virginia from 1951-1953. During this time, he married Joan and took her
with him to live off base. His ability to drive and repair motor vehicles meant he spent his
time chauffeuring military leaders and maintaining their vehicles. When his service was
concluded, he and his bride moved to Ohio where they built their lives together.
Melvin was a founding member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Grafton. He
designed the church layout, authored its blueprints, calculated materials, dug out the
basement, laid its foundation corners, and supervised the entire construction alongside a
dedicated group of volunteers. This spirit of teamwork and fellowship resulted in a church
that has served the community for over 50 years. Over time, Melvin faithfully served as a
Trustee, Deacon, and longtime teacher, while also maintaining the church and its grounds.
He later planned and oversaw additions including baptistry, activity space, and the church
cemetery.
A master carpenter, skilled mason, and expert mechanic, Melvin could build or repair
nearly anything. He worked for many years with Clark Brothers Inc, contributing to the
building and renovation of homes and businesses throughout Lorain County. Alongside his
brother Elvin, he was also a primary builder of the iconic bandstand in Tappan Square in
Oberlin, constructed with precisely fitted timbers requiring no nails.
Family was one of Melvin’s greatest joys. As a teenager, he and his brother Delvin cleared
100 acres of timber—without chainsaws—to help purchase a home for their mother. He
later built a home next door to care for his mother-in-law. His 71-year marriage to Joan was
a testament to enduring love and devotion. During her final year, Melvin lovingly cared for
Joan at home while she was on hospice. To his children and grandchildren, he was a hero.
Melvin leaves behind a legacy of faith, dedication, kindness, and love for his Lord, family,
and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will continue to
inspire those who were touched by his life.
Left to cherish his memory are his children; Michael (Michelle), Karen (Eric), Annette (Jeff),
and Mel Jr. (Kim); 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and sisters Evelyn Gum, Joy
Burns, and Waveline Jenkins.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan in 2023; son, Larry Dobbins; his parents
and Ray Cunningham; his brothers, Delvin and Elvin and sisters Norma Rose and Evelene
Rexroad.
The family will hold a private remembrance with family and friends. Visitation will take
place at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 39888 Parsons Rd., Grafton, at 10:00 AM on Thursday,
July 9. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, with burial at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in
Grafton.
The family extends sincere thanks to the Louis B. Stokes VA Medical Center for their
exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of
Melvin to the Crooked Fork Baptist Church 5663 Crooked Fork Rd, Gassaway, WV 26624.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin G Dobbins Sr., please visit our floral store.