Pearl Robert Dobbs, 78, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Sunday (November 4, 2012) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

Pearl was born September 2, 1934 the son of Otis and Bess (Shrake) Dobbs in Livonia, Missouri.

On August 10, 1956, Pearl was united in marriage to Leona Fay Salisbury in Kirksville, Missouri. Pearl and Fay remained very much in love until her passing on June 30, 2004.

Pearl is survived by three children: Brenda Tharp and husband, Keith of Cheyenne, WY; Mike Dobbs and wife, Sandy of LaPlata, MO and Kyle Dobbs and wife Denise of Logan, IA. Nine grandchildren: Kendra Tharp of Green River, WY, Jason Tharp and wife Janis of Rock Springs, WY; Travis Tharp and wife Jill of Casper, WY; Ryan Dobbs of Columbia, MO; Misty Dobbs of Atlanta, MO; Shelby Dobbs of Columbia, MO; Denisha Dobbs , Dani Dobbs and Joshua Dobbs all of Logan, IA. Seven Great Grandchildren (with another on the way). One sister, Valerie Pittman of Madill, Oklahoma and special friend Carol Williams of Kirksville, MO. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pearl was preceded in death by his wife Fay; his parents Otis and Bess Dobbs and his grandson, Kyler Dobbs.

Pearl served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963, when he was honorably discharged. Pearl spent the majority of his time stationed in France.

Pearl spent time helping on the family farm and as a coal miner before beginning his career with Florsheim Shoe Factory, where he was employed until retiring in 2002.

Pearl enjoyed fishing, watching westerns, bowling, spending time with family, doing yard work and “tinkering” in his garage. He was an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church, a devoted husband, father, friend and neighbor. His joy, sense of family, dependability and quick wit will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (November 7, 2012) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

A Celebration of Pearl’s life will take place from noon until 2:00 p.m. Thursday (November 8, 2012) in the family center at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with graveside burial following at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.

Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pearl Dobbs Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.