Alton "Al" Ray Dobbs

Alton “Al” Ray Dobbs died peacefully on July 24, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on February 12, 1942 in Dallas, Texas to Louise and Clinton Dobbs. He was one of six children. His love for the game of football began in high school. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. After high school he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. In 1961, he met the love of his life, Susanne Catanese. They met at the base’s bowling alley on a double date with Sue’s sister Roberta and Al’s Air Force buddy John DeJong. Al and Sue were married at the Church of the Magdalen on April 27, 1963. Al graduated from Wichita State University in 1971 and worked at Sears for 30 years. After retirement, he spent most of his time caring for his wife and working at Dobbs Real Estate and Greenbrook Townhomes as the fix-it man. You could also find him most mornings at his favorite diner, Jimmy’s Egg. For 50 years he was a basketball, football and baseball referee for high schools and small colleges as a member of the Greater Wichita Officials Association. In 2019, he was inducted into the Association’s Hall of Fame. On Easter 2023-at age 81-he entered the Catholic Church and received the sacrament of confirmation. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and sisters (Louella Price, Geneva Strickland, and Barbara Mulligan) and brother in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Susanne Dobbs; brother, Bobby Dobbs; sister, Linda Freeman; and his three children, Larry Dobbs (Debra Desilet-Dobbs), Kenneth Dobbs, and Debra Dobbs (Joe Estep). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Dobbs (Isabel), Taylor Fisher (Brock), Gabrielle Dobbs, Sophie Estep, Marie Estep, and Michael Dobbs; and by his three great-grandchildren, Skylar Fisher, Rylee Fisher, and Cecilia Dobbs.Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Monday, July 29, 2024, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Church of the Magdalen. In honor of Al, you can make a donation to the Bob Benoit Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Greater Wichita Officials Association or to the Church of the Magdalen, 12626 E. 21st Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.