Donald Shelby Cobbs

October 10, 1951 – February 16, 2024

He Only Takes “The Best”
God saw that he was getting tired.
A cure not to be.
So, He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come with Me”.
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer.
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly.
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating.
Hard working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us.
He only takes “the best”.
(retrieved from: sympathymessageideas.com)

Donald Shelby Cobbs, 72 years old, of San Tan Valley, Arizona passed away on February 16th, 2024, surrounded by his wife and his children.
Donald, fondly known as Don and Donnie, was born to Donald and Joanne Cobbs, on October 10, 1951, in Gardena, California. He was a talented musician who loved playing in a band. He was the front man in his high school band who later in life reunited and played at bars and music venues in California and Arizona. Don was a kind and generous man always helping those in need. Without hesitation if you ever needed help, he would help you in whatever way he could.

Don was a builder. He spent most of his working years as a Lather building homes. He was keen to point out neighborhoods he helped create. His love for trains and building things led him to become a model railroad hobbyist. Don was well known for creating several working large model railroad displays. He also built tree forts for his grandkids.

Don had a zest for life. He was very social and made lasting friendships. Don loved food. One of his favorite pastimes was eating. Don was known for getting up in the middle of the night for a late-night snack. He was a student of history and loved watching Cowboy Western Movies and TV shows. An outdoor lover Don enjoyed boating, watching trains going down the railroad track with his grandkids, swimming, and scuba diving. In his late years he would brag he swam “1000’s laps which was several miles” in his community pool.

Perhaps most, Don was a family man. He loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Don was a proud grandfather who adorned his whole house with pictures of his grandkids. He truly valued spending time with his kids and grandkids. Don wanted nothing more than to keep his troop close and spend as much time as he could with them. After moving to Arizona, he famously would cite “I’ve made 117 trips” back to see his kids and grandkids. He was always there at his grandkid’s birthday parties. Don’s passion for family was never ending making his final trip to be with family one week prior to passing.

Don is survived by his wife Rebecca and five children, Mike, Brian, Roxane, Jackie, and Becky. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and a new granddaughter on the way! At this time, Don’s wife and family are grieving. They plan for a celebration of life ceremony to be hosted in the future date, time, and location to be determined. Please share your favorite memory of Don here. Let’s celebrate the life of the well lived man, Mr .Donald Shelby Cobbs.