Darwin M. Dobson, 89, teacher, coach, civic leader

Darwin M. "Dobby" Dobson, 89, of Upper Southampton Township, a longtime teacher and civic leader, died Saturday, Oct. 11, of cancer at home.

Mr. Dobson lived in the same house in Upper Southampton for 61 years. "He built it in 1953 from the ground up," said his son Darwin J.

The elder Mr. Dobson served as a member of the township's zoning board. He was elected to two terms on the Board of Supervisors and spent 13 years helping to run the Upper Southampton Municipal Authority. In all, he logged 31 years of service to the township.

Born and raised in Menagha, Minn., Mr. Dobson was a World War II Marine Corps veteran. He went on teach physical education, health, and driver education, and coached just about every sport offered during his 37-year career at William Tennent High School, his son said.

In 1995, he was elected to the William Tennent Hall of Fame for his achievements as a coach.

He regularly spoke at Board of Education meetings convened by the Centennial School District in Warminster. In 2012, he rose to say he would be donating his collection of yearbooks to the William Tennent High School library.

He was a member of the Upper Southampton Republican Club, and a lifetime member of both the Veterans of the Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League.

When not in the classroom, he pursued a variety of activities, such as golf, bowling, hunting and fishing. He also loved to play cards with family and friends.

"Dobby will be remembered by many as a leader, mentor, and dear friend," his family said in a tribute.

Besides his son, Mr. Dobson is survived by sons, Lawrence B. and Daniel; daughters Barbara Krantz, Elizabeth Osborne, and Evelyn Brennan; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother.

His wife, Joan A. Gibbons Dobson, died on July 21 after 65 years of marriage.

Funeral service were Friday, Oct. 17.

Contributions may be made to VFW Post 6493, 645 Louis Dr., Warminster, Pa. 18974.