J. Michael Dobbins

J. Michael Dobbins died on July 30, 2025 at East Jefferson Hospital after complications from a stroke. A native of New Orleans and a life-long resident of Kenner, Louisiana, he is preceded in death by his adored son Michael Edward Dobbins and his beloved wife of 51 years, Berdine Wyble Dobbins. Also preceded in death by his parents Ralph & Mary Dobbins of New Orleans and his in-laws Leo and Lydia Wyble of Ville Platte, Louisiana. He is survived by his daughter Erinn Elizabeth Dobbins of New Orleans and his brother Ralph J. Dobbins (Linda) of Houston, Texas. Also survived by his cousin Louise Dobbins Cashmere (Tom) of Covington, LA and Mary Louise Williamson of California, a niece Jacki Wyble of Ville Platte, Louisiana, and several great and great grand nieces and nephews of Ville Platte, Louisiana, and close friend Marylin Gasquet of New Orleans, LA. Mike was born on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1937 and was 88 years old at the time of his passing. He attended E. T. Merrick Grammar School and Alcee Fortier Senior High School. During his sophomore year as a member of the Fortier ROTC, he was named Honor Cadet of the Year. Upon graduation he attended Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond, LA. where he was awarded a BA in Business Administration. He then entered the military service and proudly served as a member of the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. An active sports enthusiast all his life, he played on his Unit’s several sports teams and was a member of post championship teams in football, softball, and bowling. An active reader all his life, he had an extensive library, most of which centered on WWII history, and was a Charter member of the National WWII Museum. Upon release from active military service, Mike found employment in the insurance industry. He served in several capacities to include underwriter, district manager, and sales agent. He was transferred from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Florida and then Washington D.C. He had previously met his future wife Berdine when working in New Orleans and while in Washington D.C. convinced Berdine it was time, and they were married in St. Matthew’s Cathedral in D.C. and resided in Alexandria, Virginia where son Michael was born. He was then transferred to Miami, Florida where daughter Erinn was born. He and Berdine decided it was time to move back home to New Orleans and settled in Kenner. Mike became an insurance sales agent remaining in that capacity for the rest of his career winning many top sales awards. Mike and his wife liked to travel. Over the years they made five trips to Europe and several to the Caribbean. Mike also coached Little League Baseball and served on the Fortier Reunion Committee class of 1954. After close to 50 years in the insurance industry, Mike retired and pursued his avid interest in golf and fishing. Mike now joins his wife and son, whose death in 1999 he never really got over. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Later that day a Graveside Service with an inurnment will be held at Metairie Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. all are welcome. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

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J. Michael Dobbins

March 28, 1937 - July 30, 2025