Page Dobson

Frederick “Page” Dobson passed peacefully to his eternal home on March 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 26, 1935, in Oklahoma City, OK to Harold LaPage Dobson and Carol Estey (Porter) Dobson, Page showed early signs of natural leadership, serving as class president of his sophomore and junior classes, and student council president his senior year at Classen High School in Oklahoma City.

He attended the University of Oklahoma during Bud Wilkinson’s entire 47-game winning streak. As an undergraduate, Page played bass drum for the “Pride of Oklahoma” marching band and pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity, which was awarded the Harvard Trophy as Phi Delt’s most outstanding chapter in the nation during his tenure as president. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Page then earned a Juris Doctorate from OU’s College of Law, where, in a sign of things to come, he and his student partner won the moot court competition held before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. While in law school, Page won his greatest case when he married the girl who stole his heart, Nancy Kay Hopping. Married in 1958, they were blessed with two children, David, also an Oklahoma City attorney, and musician Deanna Martin of Alto, New Mexico. Page and Nancy celebrated their 65^th anniversary last August.

Upon his law school graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, called to active duty at Ft. Sill with an artillery unit and assigned to a Howitzer battalion. After completion of his tour, he returned to Oklahoma City as a member of the Army reserve and joined the law firm of Washington and Thompson. During the 1961 Berlin crisis, Page’s reserve unit was activated and sent to Ft. Chaffee, where he was assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He retired the following year; honorably discharged as a Captain.

Page’s combination of legal acumen and sparkling personality caught the attention of Russell Holloway, and in 1963, he joined the firm of Rhodes, Hieronymous, Holloway and Wilson (now known as Holloway, Dobson and Bachman). Following Mr. Holloway’s early retirement, Page became the firm’s managing partner, a position in which he guided the firm for over 25 years. His distinguished career included representing prominent clients such as General Motors Corp, Honda Motor Company, Toyota USA, and multiple national insurers. His unparalleled preparation and courtroom skills earned the respect of his adversaries, admiration by the judiciary, and gratitude of his clients. Though his trial successes over 50-plus years could fill a book, Page’s reputation as a first-class litigator and gentleman lawyer are his true legacy in the legal profession.

Page valued the practice of law and was a Lifetime Fellow of both the American Bar and Oklahoma Bar Associations, as well as a former Director and Officer of the Oklahoma County Bar Association.

Outside the legal world, Page provided leadership for many groups, serving as board member for the Oklahoma History Center, and president of: the Oklahoma City Men’s Dinner Club, the “Committee of 100,” the Classen High School Alumni Association, and, as a loyal Sooner and lifelong member, the OU Alumni Association.

Page and Nancy were founding members of New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he served in multiple capacities; as first president of the congregation, pulpit committee chair, long-time elder, 30-year adult Sunday School teacher and choir director/member; and his rendition of “O Holy Night” will long be remembered as a Christmas Eve tradition.

Page was an active member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City (Club 29), with 31 years of perfect attendance and exemplary service that included Club President and District Governor to Rotary International; a living example of Rotary’s mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.

While Page and Nancy traveled the world with many friends and enjoyed visiting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, he also loved his “Deerfield” birds and reading in his recliner. Far beyond all his other accomplishments and experiences, Page was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother – and he would be the first to tell you his family was his true treasure. 

Page is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; son David (Rurie), their children Nicholas (Janel) and Sean and grandchildren Nolan and Nora; daughter Deanna (Blake), their children Eli (Rebekah), Chana, Noa (Vicente), and Malachi, and grandchildren Karihana, Liam, Ava, Averi, Levi, and Julian; also his brother John (Susan); as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Carol, and brother Harold “Buddy” Dobson. His love and support were always felt deeply and fully. Truly, he taught us to love one another.

Our loss is immeasurable, as is heaven’s gain. The family would like to extend thanks to all Page’s friends and colleagues who reached out as his health declined, and would especially like to thank the amazing hospice team at Epworth Villa for their care in his final weeks.

Public viewing Thursday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Smith and Kernke, 14624 N May Ave. Interment will be conducted in a private family service.

Memorial service and celebration of a life well-lived 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N Western Ave. 

Memorial donations in Page’s name may be made to Rotary Club 29 Foundation, 625 NW 13^th #105, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 (or by calling 405-235-5100).