God called Willis Eugene Dobbins, Sr., 86, of Marshalltown, IA, home on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Centennial Gardens for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Crystal, MN.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown, with Rev. Jacob Rahrig officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m., until the time of the services, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Willis Eugene Dobbins, Sr. was born November 17, 1933, in Marshalltown to Cornelius, Sr. and Elizabeth (Howard-Dobbins) Johnson, where he was member of Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church. Willis graduated from Marshalltown High School and after graduating, served in the United States Airforce from 1955-1958. Upon leaving the United States Airforce in 1958, he relocated to Des Moines, was united in marriage to Sandra (Wilson-Dobbins) Golding, and became employed by the United States Postal Service. Upon graduation from Drake University, Willis was employed by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) as a GED Examiner setting up both GED classes and correspondence courses. While attending Maple Street Baptist Church, he was part of the Maple Street’s men’s quartet. Later, Willis worked with his friend, Ruben Wright, who taught him how to sing, which he then joined the band, The Blenders, in 1956. Willis later became a member of the Soul Brothers and Blues Band when he replaced George Davis. The group disbanded in the 1970’s due to the popularity of DJ’s and Disco music. Willis continued performing around the Des Moines area singing tunes by the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Al Green, Herald Melvin & the Blue Notes, and many other of his favorite artists. He was also a member of the Elk Lodge of Marshalltown. Willis really loved family and loved cookouts and any family gatherings, making sure all had a good time.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Terry Dobbins; brother Cornelius (Jake) Dobbins; son Bryan Dobbins; daughters Kimberly Williams and Amber Williams; stepson Richard Matlock; grandchildren: Joshua Dobbins, Brittany Dobbins, Bryan Christopher Dobbins, Antwon Williams, Antron Williams, Janiyah Owen, Zayvion Parham, Amari Williams, Antino Porter, Jr.; two great grandchildren: Janaya and Lamarrion; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Brent Dobbins and Willis Eugene Dobbins II, four brothers, and seven sisters.