Obituary of Edward Dobie

Edward R. Dobie was born in Lakewood, Ohio on December 8, 1918 the son of George Norman Dobie Sr. and Yerda (Lonn) Dobie. Edward was a veteran of the United States Army valiantly serving during World War II. His memoirs were referenced in the "The Mortarmen" a story of the heroic exploits of the 87th Chemical Mortar Battalion. Edward was best known as the owner of the Dobie Company and later the Associated Office Supply Company. His firms were based in Downtown Monroe. The Dobie Company was well respected and at its height had thirteen offices in four states. For more than fifty years he would operate these companies. His success as a business man was evident in that he developed several patents along the way. Edward was married to Gertrude Eggert in 1938. She passed away in 1978. He married Beth Ann Herrington Payne Winters in 1979. She passed away in 2004. On August 8, 2005 he was joined in marriage with Carol Green. Edward's survivors include his wife Carol of Monroe; a daughter: Patricia (Feore) Custode of Sarasota, Florida; two stepsons: Jim (Mary) Payne of Minnesota; Terrence Winters of Austin, Texas; a sister: Margaret Champion of Durham, North Carolina; eight grandchildren: Christy (Jake) Laroy, Jill Dobie, Mark (Elizabeth) Custode, Michelle (Tom) Dodson, John, Mena, and Feore Custode Jr., Andrea (Kurt) Okamoto; step-grandchildren: Noel, Brandon, Michelle, and Collette; and twelve great grandchildren. His family warmly recalls his outgoing personality and his overflowing sense of humor. He was a longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and an active volunteer for the American Red Cross. He enjoyed acrylic painting, reading, writing, researching, and collecting historical knock-knacks. Edward R. Dobie Sr. passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2008 at his lakeside home. In addition to his two wives his passing was preceded by his parents; a beloved brother: George Dobie II on March 25, 2009, and a son Edward R. Dobie Jr. in 1998. Friends may gather from 2-8pm, Monday, March 30, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, (734) 384-5185, where a Celebration of His Life will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday. The Rev. Evans Bentley of St. Paul United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Memorial Donations are suggested to the Spinal Cord Society. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be made at www.merklefuneralservice.com.