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.
I love you Dad. See you later on down the road 🤗❤️
I’ve said this before but t bears repeating – Donny was my big brother – the hero of our childhood he was always called upon to babysit us when our parents were out – He always knew what to do – usually laughing and making us laugh and forget about our small hurt or grievance with another sibling. I love you big brother so happy your pain is gone – See you in Heaven brother where God promised to make every wrong right and wipe away every single tear
Donnie is my first cousin. We spent many hours playing in the canyon & harassing the “shack kids” lol. He scared me to death more than a few times but would rescue me or get an uncle if I wouldn’t trust him! He certainly did have a real zest & zeal for lift, for all he loved. He is missed❣️
Dad, I miss you with every inch of my body. I am heartbroken, lonely, and sad but relieved you are no longer in pain or fighting the fight. Fly high and watch over your troop. ❤️
Xoxo BECK
“D.J., you dirty guy!”
You were truly one of a kind. I’ll never forget the adventures we had working together. The family picnic will never be the same without you. I know family meant a lot to you, I just hope you knew how much we all loved you.
Sending hugs and love, rest peacefully ❤️
Donnie was my bestie since junior high! .We grew up together, played music and enjoyed and raised families together. His was my favorite guy to hang out with! And I will miss him terribly! We were excited about playing our hi school reunion this fall!!Donnie I know you’ll be there singing Heart of Stone!! Love ya !
Donnie was my bestie since junior high! .We grew up together, played music and enjoyed and raised families together. His was my favorite guy to hang out with! And I will miss him terribly! We were excited about playing our hi school reunion this fall!!Donnie I know you’ll be there singing Heart of Stone!! Love ya !
Honey I know how hard you tried to stay with us, and I would give any and all to have you back in my arms, I’m so very lost without you, Im crushed . Our love for each other was so special and the spark in your eyes whenever you’d look at me and you made me feel young again every time , 19 years sense have passed and my love for you only grew. When we met I was missing my children and my whole family togetherness , I was devastated and trusted no one but you healed my heart , you gave me so much love and filled my life with wonderful beautiful children and all our grand children they are the joys in my life. You filled that hole in my heart and gave me the family I’d always wanted, through them I still have a sparkle of you and I will carry on sharing memories and reminding them how very much there Papa loves and misses them all, Until forever my love for you remain xxoo Rebecca Cobbs
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Becca. To Donnie’s Children and Grandchildren and to his Siblings & lifelong friend.
Donnie had a zest & zeal for living with lots of Love. Rest iIn Peace Cousin. Lovingly, Bonnie Ann
Rest in paradise Uncle Don, thank you for taking care of my dad and the rest of your family. ♥️
My favorite memories are going to the river with him, and up at the ranch. It was always great to see him at the family picnic, giving out love and hugs. He will be missed this year. Blessings and love to all of the family. So sad for the loss.
Donny always was the first to discover new bands and music. He was a great big brother. I remember Don and the berries playing at are church to bring in the younger crowds. Don always called Father Dalton “Padre”. We will all miss you big brother, Joey Cobbs
RIP
I am so sorry for your loss.
Hey Donkuss… I’ll never forget that time when I was out of work & bleaked out . You came by & kicked me in the ass & said get off the couch cuz your going to work with me , it was a great shot in the arm & you got me back into the swing of things . I loved watching you nag our superintendents or our so called superiors . You’re definitely one of a kind & I will miss you dearly . Peace out cuz
Favorite memory is from a long time ago at the Ranch with my Dad in OP corduroy shorts and shaggy hair playing guitar on the adobe brick patio.
In high school Donnie had long blonde hair, always wrapping it behind his ears, and a smile with dimples that made him so cute and approachable. He had a confidence that carried him all through his life. He was a family man and would do anything for them, but he was also a friend, a good friend that will always bring a smile to my face when I think of him.