On the evening of June 2, 2023, Stephen Ray Dobbins, 79 of Allen, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Maud, Oklahoma on September 15, 1943, to Richard (Dick) and Beloysa (Bea) Dobbins. He was raised in St. Louis Oklahoma and graduated from St. Louis School in May 1961.
Steve graduated from Okmulgee Tech in September 1966 with an associate degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. He answered his Nation’s call to serve in the US Army on December 6, 1966. He served a tour of duty with the 1st Air Calvary division in Vietnam from May 1967 to May 1968, where he earned a Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart along with many other awards and citations. He was honorably discharged from the US Army on December 5, 1968.
After Vietnam he had a very successful career in Heating and Air Conditioning for almost 50 years. He started his career working for Howard’s Sheet Metal until he opened his own business, Steve’s Heating and Air Conditioning in 1987. He then worked part time for Dependable Heat and Air for the last few years before retiring in 2015.
He was a member of the Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Union Local # 344, the Allen Masonic Lodge # 81 for over 50 years, and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Valley of McAlester.
He married the love of his life and best friend Linda Caralee Wilsie on November 21, 1969. They had two daughters, Jennifer and Sara that he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, a brother Jim Dobbins, and a sister Judy Akerman.
He is survived by his wife Linda of the home, two daughters Jennifer Smith and husband Wendell of Allen, Sara Maloy and husband Jeff of Allen; a sister Linda Dunn and husband Ernie of Siloam Springs, AR, a sister-in-law Penny Dobbins of Asher, and a brother Russell Dobbins and wife Julie of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Emily Smith of Norman, Alyssa Maloy of Allen, Nathan Smith of Allen, and Luke Maloy of Ada; and many beloved relatives and cherished friends.
Bearers will be Jeff Maloy, Wendell Smith, Nathan Smith, Luke Maloy, Frank Griffith, and Melvin Margerum. Honorary bearers will be Eugene Sanders, Buddy Lawson, Red Huffstutlar, Fred Combs, Kerry Caldwell, Doug Stinson, Stan Wallace, Doug Peay, Gary Vinson, and David Wallace.
Services are Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:00 at Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church of Allen. Bro. Bobby Briggs will officiate. Interment will follow at Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00PM on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Criswell Chapel in Allen. The family will be at visitation from 6:00-8:00.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
