Michael Allen Dobbins, 68, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home in Lebanon, Indiana. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on October 23, 1956; a son of the late Richard L. and Lois Ann (Reese) Dobbins.
He was raised in Celina, Ohio and graduated from Celina Senior High School. He then attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. After graduation, he was employed by Eli Lilly and Company first in Lafayette and then Indianapolis, Indiana as a Research Chemist. He enjoyed a very long and successful career and was responsible for the development of many new medications. One of his proudest achievements was being named a Research Scientist of the year for his work on a major medication.
On June 15, 1979, he was married to Jane Marjorie (Ouellette) Dobbins in Mentor, Ohio. She preceded him in death on April 9, 2025. They were lovingly and happily married for almost 46 years.
After first living in West Lafayette, in 1992 the couple relocated to Lebanon, Indiana where they made their home for more than 30 years. They enjoyed traveling throughout the years. Multiple trips to Hawaii, cruises in the Caribbean, and the most enjoyable trip of all to Scotland to attend the wedding of the daughter of dear friends. Michael and Jane became members of a resort group in Mexico between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in 2010. They would make two to three trips a year to the resorts where they befriended many of the guests and especially the resort’s staff who became like family to them. In addition, Michael enjoyed golfing and scuba diving. He was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include a sister, Antoinette “Toni” Dobbins of New Albany, Ohio; brother-in-law, William LaCourse of Sandusky, Ohio; sister-in-law, Lisa Dobbins of Silver Springs, Maryland; aunt, Ann Dobbins of Blacklick, Ohio; Jane’s sister, Susan McConocha of Cleveland, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews along with many cousins.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Michael was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Dobbins and two sisters, Kimberly LaCourse and Kathryn Crouch as well as his uncles, James Alan and Leonard Dobbins.
A memorial service celebrating both Michael and Jane will be held at a later date. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with his cremation arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be directed in his memory to the Indiana Donor Network.