Leo "Poppy" Dobbs

Leo “Poppy” Dobbs, age 95, joined his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2020.  Born February 7, 1925 to the late J. Earl and Laura Mary (Weibley) Dobbs in Dayton, Ohio, “Poppy” is survived by his precious wife of 68 years, Marcella “Sally” Elizabeth (Smith) Dobbs of Loysville.  Known to everyone as “Poppy”, Leo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

In addition to his wife, Poppy is survived by three sons:  Jeffrey Dobbs (significant other Jessica Dickinson), Kevin Dobbs (Tracy) both of Loysville, and Charles Miller (Evelyn) of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Poppy is preceded in death by his daughter, Dianna L. Hollenbach.  He was the grandfather to 15 grandchildren:  Derek, Brad, Kristen, Amber, Amanda, Seth, Autumn, M’s, Renee, Christine, Matthew, Charles Jr., Landon, Laura, and Kayla, and many loving great-grandchildren.

Poppy proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division 325th Glider Infantry from 1943-1946.  He served in the spearhead landing in Holland in Operation Market Garden, was in the Battle of the Bulge, the Siegfried Line, and then Berlin at the end of the war.  He received an Honorable Discharge, receiving many medals, including a Purple Heart.

Poppy selflessly volunteered his time to help others.  He was a member of the Sandy Hill United Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School for 50 years and served on the Consistory.  The Church was his life, along with family, music, and wood working.  He was also an Honorary Member of the Pennsylvania State Grange, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts, and was a 4-H Leader.  He received an Appreciation Service Award from the Grange as well as Granger of the Year.

Poppy retired from PennDOT, but loved farming.  Some of his grandchildren have inherited his love of farming.  Ironically, Poppy and one of his granddaughters both worked as inventory specialists – one for PennDOT and one for the Army National Guard.  Poppy loved to play the trumpet and the piano – at the same time.   He played in the Breezewood Band as a kid, a dance band in the Army, and then in the Mac-Do-Lats once home from the Army.  He played Big Band, Swing, Blues, and Hymns.  Once he could no longer play the trumpet, he continued his musical journey with the alto saxophone.  Poppy handed down his love of music to his family.  Poppy’s children and several of his grandchildren are musically inclined, one of which is an accomplished pianist.

Leo’s Celebration of Life will be held on July 10, 2020, at Sandy Hill United Church of Christ.  The viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with the service to immediately follow.  Please note- Poppy did not want this to be a somber occasion.  He was ready and excited to go Home.  He truly wanted this to have an atmosphere of celebration.  So in keeping with his wishes, dark attire is not necessary.  These services will follow the COVID parameters of social distancing with masks recommended, but not required.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons International online, at www.gideons.org/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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