Dobbins Honored For Years Of Service On Oakwood Cemetery Board Of Regents
WARSAW — At the Oakwood Cemetery Board meeting held Thursday, Dec. 7, Lewis Dobbins was honored for his years of service as a board member.
Dobbins, who was most recently serving as the vice-president of the Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents, had announced some time ago that he would be vacating his position on the Board of Regents after this month. Dobbins has served on the board for approximately 25 years.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” said Dobbins, “I really have, but I think age 91 is time to step aside.”
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer attended the meeting to present Dobbins with a recognition of service plaque.
Thallemer apologized for arriving a few minutes after the meeting started, saying, “I’m sorry I was late. I’ll be late for my own funeral – although I probably shouldn’t make a joke like that here.”
Those in attendance remained after the official meeting to spend time with Dobbins, while enjoying cookies, cake and punch.
An emotional Dobbins described how he became a member of the Board of Regents.
“I worked for Sunbeam,” said Dobbins, “I was on my bread route. I walked into the Humpty Dumpty and saw Mike Hodges and Terry Klondaris. After I was done with my delivery, I had a cup of coffee with them and asked, ‘Okay, where should I fill in now?’ and Mike spoke up and said that I was now on the cemetery board.”
Dobbins discussed changes that have occurred at the cemetery over the years.
“I remember when Ellen (Hoffer) used to come and unlock the gate early in the morning and then she had to come back at night to lock it up,” Dobbins said, “Then Hal came up with the idea of having the automatic gates out there. That has saved a lot of time.”
“You’ve obviously been part of a lot of the improvements,” said Mayor Thallemer, “When people come here for a great Memorial Day program or come to visit loved ones, they notice it. They really notice it because the cemetery does look nice.”
Dobbins’ wife, Nedra, pointed out that Dobbins was not only a member of the Board of Regents but had also worked as an employee of Oakwood Cemetery in the past.
“He retired from the bakery at age 62 and then worked for twenty years at the cemetery,” Nedra explained.
Other News:
- There was a delay in getting the columbarium craned and set. Oakwood Cemetery Sexton Hal Heagy said this has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4.