Charles Thomas Dobson

Charles Thomas Dobson, born January 10, 1944, passed away at his home on November 30, 2021. A Celebration of his Life will be held on April 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd. There will be a gathering of friends from 12:00 pm until the service. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.

Charles was born on January 10, 1944 in Kansas City, MO to William James Dobson, Jr. and Elizabeth (Stahl) Dobson, who preceded him in death. Survivors include his life partner, Betsy Phillips, his daughter Andrea Iovine, her husband Alan, grandson, Dominic, his brother, William (Bill) Dobson and his wife, Dorothy, of Reno, NV, his sister, Mary Beth Reiff of Des Moines, Iowa. Survivors also include Betsy’s children, son, Hugh Phillps, of Portland, Oregon, son, Graham Phillips, of Troutdale, Oregon, daughter, Jennie Phillips Ablin, of Vancouver, Washington and their families; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, and the Stahl/Oberyder cousins.

While well known as a pitcher for the Kansas City/Oakland A’s, he was also selected to play on the 1964 Olympics Baseball team in Tokyo. In 1970, he was honored and humbled when invited to entertain and visit with the troops in Vietnam.

Charles was an enormous presence. He never met a stranger! He loved his bridge group and played four times a week. He played scrabble (and usually won!) He loved watching old movies and relished quoting old lines or entire scenes. He loved singing his favorite songs and was an expert on WWII! His love of geography prompted him to visit over 15 countries throughout his life and he cherished those opportunities. He loved the rivers and dead end roads, the chance encounters with others and the journeys that became more spiritual and significant throughout each day.

Instinctively, he absolutely cherished the time spent as a volunteer with the children at Operation Breakthrough. The children loved when he came to visit and spent time with them.

The night Charles died, after spending the day in service to others, he inadvertently expressed how fortunate we were to experience the awe and blessings of our lives. With that wonderful smile, he was at peace with his life. We all miss his contagious laughter, his friendly greeting and his favorite comment…”where’s the gratitude?”