May 19, 1955 – July 27, 2026
Donald Lee Dobyns, affectionately known as “Don” and “Dude,” passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, in Colorado, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Don never met a stranger. If you met him once, you were family. Whether you had known him for thirty years or thirty minutes, he welcomed you with the same kindness, generosity, and genuine interest. If you needed advice, a laugh, a meal, a helping hand, or simply someone to listen, Don was there. He made everyone feel like they had someone in their corner.
Don lived a life defined by taking care of others. No matter the hour or what he had going on himself, if someone needed him, he showed up. He had an extraordinary ability to fix things, whether it was broken equipment, a difficult problem, or a heavy heart. He gave freely of his time, his knowledge, and his heart. He never kept score, never expected anything in return, and always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Helping others wasn’t something he did. It was simply who he was.
Brilliant, endlessly curious, and full of life, Don had a laugh that could fill a room and a sense of humor that was impossible to forget. He loved making people smile and could turn an ordinary day into one filled with laughter. His joy was contagious, and spending time with him was effortless because he made everyone feel welcome.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Don dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. His passion for firearms instruction and safety led him to train everyone from law enforcement officers and military personnel to everyday citizens. He especially cherished the opportunity to train members of our nation’s Special Forces. On the range, he was known not only for his knowledge and skill, but also for his humor. While others focused on the seriousness of the work, Don found ways to make people laugh without ever losing sight of the importance of what he was teaching. He loved every minute of it.
Above all else, Don loved his family.
He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and the very proud “Dude” to his grandchildren. Before long, “Dude” wasn’t just what his grandchildren called him. It became the name almost everyone knew him by.
Nothing brought Don greater joy than his grandchildren. The strongest man in the room would instantly melt the moment one of those babies was placed in his arms. He loved teaching them, answering their endless questions, explaining how the world worked, and passing along lessons about respect, responsibility, and helping others. They didn’t simply have a grandfather. They had a hero.
Don never missed the moments that mattered. School performances, sporting events, celebrations, milestones. If someone he loved was there, so was he. Loud, proud, cheering from the sidelines, and telling anyone who would listen just how amazing his kids and grandkids were. He celebrated every accomplishment as if it were his own.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald Dobyns; his dad, Richard Worcester; and all those who welcomed him home.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Genny; his children, Heath and Caitlin, who made him endlessly proud; his grandchildren: Kaiden, Lucas, Weston, Jonas, and Taylor; his mother, Lois Worcester; his sister, Janice Dobyns; his brothers: Mike Dobyns, Dave Dobyns, and Richard Worcester, along with their spouses and families; and countless friends who became family.
When we think of Dude, we think of joy. We think of laughter. We think of unconditional love. We think of comfort. We think of home.
His family will forever miss his booming laugh, his goofy sense of humor, his unwavering strength, and the unconditional love he gave so generously. His legacy lives on in every life he encouraged, every person he helped, every lesson he taught, and every heart that is better because it knew him.
The world feels a little less safe without our protector, a little quieter without his laughter, and a little dimmer without his light. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing he is whole again and at peace.
If you want to honor Don, take care of someone. Make them laugh. Show up. Give more than is expected. Love loudly. That’s exactly how he lived.
We invite our family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Donald Lee Dobyns to join us as we celebrate his life and honor his legacy.
Dude was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, mentor, patriot, protector, hero, and a man whose strength, grit, and love left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing that his watch is complete, his mission fulfilled, and his legacy lives on through the people he loved and the lives he shaped.
We would be honored to have you join us as we gather to pay our respects and celebrate a life well lived.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Viewing: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Burial with Military Honors: 1:00 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925
Thank you to everyone who has surrounded our family with your prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has meant more than words can express.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Rest easy, Dude. We have the watch from here.