In remembrance of Dr. Robert Arthur DuBay...

This page is for any memories and thoughts of Bob that family/friends might want to share. I’m happy to add anything as we march along (your thoughts, images or links). Just email me if there is anything you would like to add.

All about Bob...

Dr. Robert “Bob” DuBay was called peacefully to heaven from Oakhurst, California on May 20, 2022, due to respiratory ailments at age 87.

Born Robert A. Dubé on July 30, 1934, in Fort Covington, New York, to Henry Arthur and Marie Ida Dubé. He was a resident of Corydon, IA from 1960-2007. “Dad” to four children, “Dr. R.A DuBay", or “Bob” to others, he was many things to many people.

Since his father was a US Immigration Officer, Bob was raised in various towns along the US-Canada border. At age 17, he attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana to pursue a degree in dentistry. There, he met and fell in love with Normajean Provost, and they were married December 29, 1953. He transferred to Creighton University in Omaha, NB and after Bob obtained his dental degree from Creighton.

Serving as the local dentist for 47 years, Dr. DuBay, D.D.S, invented 20+ types of dental surgery. Uncommonly, Bob did cleanings, dentures, root canals, fillings, braces, as well a variety of surgical procedures of which each now requires a specialist. In it all, Bob said he loved his patients. He mentioned to his family that the most important person in the world is the person in my dental chair at that moment. Eventually, his office logo became, “Dentistry with love!”

Bob was talented in both the arts and sciences. When not practicing dentistry, he is perhaps best known publically for playing the harmonica, which he did on the same stage with the internationally renowned Jerry Murad and the Harmonicats on multiple occasions. His last performance was during Old Settler’s, 1988. His musical talent reached beyond hamonica. He even had his own hamronica group called the "Harmonica Highlites" and played local fairs and gigs. Though he picked up the harmonica for the first time during college, he was extremelu musically inclined yet could not read music. With a little tinkering, he could play pretty much any instrument - the guitar, piano, ukele and stump-fiddle just to name a few.

As a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, he played guitar and was music minister for 35+ years . Inspired by the formation of his religious studies in the early 1970s, Bob was active in a variety of Christian-based events. Be it “Four Nights for God” in Wayne County, Faith in Actions Missions across Iowa, or pilgrimageS to Rome and the Holy Land, his music was with him. He even constructed his own music books for sing-alongs and many family road trips were filled with guitar playing and singing. After closing the Corydon Dental Clinic, Bob retired to San Antonio, Texas and later moved to Fresno, CA. In both places, he actively led sing-a-longs for his communities, especially at Christmas time.

Bob was active in a variety of pursuits. For example, in honor of Jesse James Day, he was commissioned to do the lettering on two billboard signs advertising the exhibit at the Wayne County Historical Museum. For that, he was awarded “Man of the Year” IN 1969 by the Corydon Chamber of Commerce. Another of Bob’s signs was long seen at Sailing field where he painted the falcon logo on the bleachers sign that greeted fans for many years. Pinstriping cars was another fun art project. The work for which he was especially pleased was a special rendition of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, garnering a blue ribbon at the Wayne County Fair in 1972. Many Old Settler's windows and parade exhibits, and back drops for many high school plays were the beneficiaries of his artistic talent.

A Rotarian from the 1960s to 1990s, scout master, religion education teacher, aficionado of the New York Times crossword puzzles, sponsor of the Falcons 1983 basketball team that went to the Iowa State Tournament, an endless source of jokes and limericks, football player, pole vaulter (before padding) and table jumper, Bob was a kid in many ways who savored life.

Bob is survived by his brother Henry “Hank” DuBay (Gilbert, AZ), son Paul DuBay (San Antonio, TX), daughter Denise Faulkner (Matthew, Oakhurst, CA), grand daughters Chelsie Saubert (Fresno, CA) and Sophie Blackwell (Grass Valley, CA), great granddaughter Addison Blackwell, son Jerry DuBay (Oakhurst, CA), grandson Tristin DuBay (Des Moines, IA), son-in-law Danny Mixon (Des Moines, IA), and grandson Randy Mixon (Des Moines, IA). He was preceded in death by his wife Normajean, brother Paul, sister Evangeline, and eldest daughter, Debra Lynn/Nancy Michael DuBay-Mixon.

To sum him up, Bob was a very talented man, who wanted no one to be in physical pain, loved the joyous lord and offered his gifts to make life fun, funnier, and hopefully better for anyone he met along the way. One of his favorite scriptures, one he would want passed on - "And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”

REMEMBRANCES...

Karla Freese He lives in the hearts of the Freese family!! He was an icon for the Corydon folks!!!

Norma Mendenhall Rockhold Prayers to you all! I remember how important he always made you feel when you were in his dental chair. Such a good guy!

Andrea Decker Wyatt (Andy Decker's daughter) I was his “student worker” in high school. He let me assist with all kinds of procedures and encouraged my fascination with medicine. Always very kind and answered my many questions. RIP!

Shirley Kuyrkendall Cook (Mrs. Cook the grade school teacher) After work hours,fell and cracked my two front teeth. He opened up and took care of me. Great guy

Dawn Christian (Neil Gilman's niece) Much love to you & your family…. I spent a lot of hours in his dental chair as a kid & lot of time with him & Norma Jean at home. My uncle is Neil…. he & Debbie were my favorite people growing up. When they were home to visit, I often tagged along. He was good to me my entire life.♥️

Terry Hook Not only did he like to play the harmonica….he was so good he filled in for the Harmonicats when one of them could not perform. He would come to our house to practice with dad when ever he had to perform with the Harmonicats.

Jeff Gillette Sorry to hear this, best wishes to your family

Mike Coates I recall visiting with your dad on graduation day at the party held in your home. (A party that was, wasn't it Denise?)

Tina Johnson I went to him since I started school and continued till he retired!! He was the best !!

Susan L. Frizzell You already know about my “temporary” silver crown he gave me probably 45 years ago! I’ll keep it forever.

Derik Erickson Very sorry for your loss Jerry.

Doug Green Always a very happy and nice Man!

Kevin Kelly Still think of your Dad every time I hear “I am the Bread of Life” at Mass. RIP Bob.

Steve Kelly Kevin Kelly it was the king of glory for me! He really belted it out.

Eric Boyer Jerry, my condolences to you, Paul and all of your family. Wish I could come out and listen to some of those stories you all will be telling.

Liesl Neely Fitzpatrick I’ll always remember you and your dad’s Hawaiian shirts you wore to the dentist office! Hugs to you, Denise and Paul! 🙏💕

Thelma Welch I am very sorry Jerry DuBay. 🙏

Robert Greenlee So sorry Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brad Shipley Thoughts and prayers to you and your family

Diane LaFollette Kelly Oh Jerry! I am so sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Hugs

Peggy Scott Sorry for your loss, Jerry. Prayers for you and your family.

Dennis Sloan Sorry for your loss Jerry! Prayers to you and your entire family!

Teresa Sapp Smith Sending prayers to you on the passing of your father. 🙏

Kelliann Greenlee-Powell Cheers to your dad. He was my dentist and I can still hear him whistling a tune.. Great man. God speed Dr. DuBay.

Brenda Rockhold Jerry, my thoughts are with you and your entire family! You inherited your dad's smile and friendly disposition!

Ben Decker Jerry you dad was an amazing man . He always was positive influence on many. He will certainly walk through the pearly gates proudly.

Doug G Louis Sr. I love that dentist!!!

Suzann Williamson Sorry to hear this Jerry. Dr Bob was a special guy. Many years in music ministry wirh him at St Francis, Corydon. Sympathy to you and the family

Julie Folk Sorry for your loss Jerry!!

Douglas Olson Sorry for your loss Jerry, I will keep you & your family in my prayers 🙏

Billy Abel Not sure where to start.So many good memories at your home growing up. Not so much of the dental visit! Lol My thoughts are with you my friend

Keith Davis So sorry for your loss. He was a great man! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family

Keith Davis I remember arm wrestling him when Denise and I were dating. He was a lot of fun

Jay Douglas Prayers to the family and to you. Never easy but it's the memories that we continue to cherish.

Jeffrey Lee Snyder So So Sorry Brother Jerry..You Dad was a GREAT Man!!.. Sending Prayers for you and the family.

Stan Rupe Thoughts and prayers for all your family! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Monica Fogelson So sorry for your loss

Russell Bert Waters You look so much like your Dad, bro. Praying for you ❤

Lynette Kueny Watts So sorry! Been a tough year

Dawn Jones So sorry! Hugs!

Jolinda Silcott Foster Jerry, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was an amazing man.

Jane Frizzell My thoughts are with you and your family. Your dad was always nice to me and I enjoyed his sense of humor.

Teresa Terry So many wonderful memories! Bob playing one of his harmonicas in the music room. The many blessings of being a friend of the family for 56 years. I'm so sorry for your loss! He's with Norma Jean and Mike now.

Cindy Foster So sorry Jerry, prayers to you and your family.

James Rector Sorry for your loss Jerry. Every time I attend Mass in Corydon I think of your dad playing his guitar.

Linda Cox Grismore 🙏❤🙏prayers for all!

Gregg Gustafson Sorry for your loss Jerry. Very hard to lose your dad. Prayers for you and your family.

Marty Hamar Your dad was cool he always made me feel welcome

Robin Phillips Sorry to hear, it join in your celebration if your dad’s life and legacy. Many trips to dental chair with your dad in his Hawaiian shirts and always humming happy songs! Hugs and prayers to you all.

Alan George Sorry for your loss my Friend. Rest In Peace

Gerry Bowen Sorry for your loss, Jerry.

Stan Caldwell Sorry for your loss Prayers to you and family

Shelley Hollwager Prayers to you and your family.

Lee Anna Piercy Wilkinson Sorry for your loss..thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Brian D. Payne Sorry for your loss.

Paul Overton Prayers of comfort to you & your family as you mourn the loss of your pops!!

Lori Holm Sorry for your loss. He was gifted and talented not only in his craft but in his interaction with his patients.

Charlie Dresser Sorry to hear of his passing, the only dentist I ever cared for. God bless.

John Poston Sorry for this news. I remember watching Doc pinstripe Pauls Nova. Doc had many talents, this being one.

Larry Patton Sorry for your loss Jerry. It’s kinda funny but my memory in your dad’s dental chair was a day you and I were being ornery a day you were clean in the office. Lol

Tim Kelly Prayers for you and the family. 🙏

Mark Gillette Jerry I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I spent so much time over the years with Paul playing and staying over night at your house, your mom and dad seemed as much like parents to me as my own. I’ll always miss them and the rest of you.

Dennis O'Neall Prayers and thoughts go to you and yours bro.... 87 years old is a good run... gotta be happy about that... But i know what its like losing your DAD...but you when i seen picture at first i thought it was you in make-up.... you look JUST LIKE HIM JERRY....WOW😁

Randy Grimes Sorry for your loss, Jerry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff Mitchell I'm very sorry for your loss, Jerry. You're in my thoughts.

Marcia Jewell So sorry to hear about your lovely father.

Diana Metzger Gerving I’m so sorry for your loss, Jerry. Prayers for you and your family. I remember going to his office as a child. He took a lot of fear out of having dental work done. 🙏❤️

Anne Winslow-Cook Oh Jerry, I am so sorry for your loss. Truly. I’ll always remember his harmonica playing. 💞

Julie Rupe Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Ben J. Taylor Prayers to the family.

Marilyn Herndon Wilson Sending my thoughts & prayers. He was my dentist for many years.

Carla Housley Sending prayers

Marlene Carlyle Prayers to you and all the family!

Lindsay Moser Grismore Sorry for your loss! He was the Corydon Dentist for many years and saw him and his family around Corydon all the time.

Vincent Wolfe Very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for You, Family, Friends and Relatives.

Lisa Cook I was in his dental chair many times!

Rick Fain Doc Dubay never new him well but sorry to hear this is another local legend gone , sad

Kim Greenlee Weeks Prayers to Paul, Denise and Jerry. Dr Dubay gave me an opportunity years ago and it was a very good career. I am forever greatful. Thank you, Dr Robert A. DuBay D.D.S.

Martin Bracewell I ran into a parked car on my bicycle and broke my two front teeth as a teenager. Dr. DuBay took me in quickly and he rebuilt those two teeth and they were part of my smile for 40 years.

Annie Bishop Prayers to his family

Steve Halfhill Sorry to hear this! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends!

Tina Johnson I went to him since I started school and continued till he retired!! He was the best !!

Kay Williams Middlebrook Prayers to you all.

Laura Shivvers Prayers. He was our neighbor as well as dentist. Deepest condolences.

Sharon LaFollette So sorry for your loss!

Kandi Hackett Standing up front in church playing the guitar.

Jim Rhoades He was so good with our oldest son they really hit it off. One evening out of the blue after a Dentist visit Doc called just to check on Jordan Rhoades .

Susan Pyner I spent some time in his dental chair. Very nice man! RIP Dr. DuBay. Prayers to the family

Bonita Wells Extending our sympathy to your family. He was quite a musician! Dr. Joel and Bonita Wells

Joyce Christensen In the 60s I was invited to spend the night with Debbie on a couple of occasions. I so enjoyed his harmonicas!

Andrea Decker Wyatt I was his “student worker” in high school. He let me assist with all kinds of procedures and encouraged my fascination with medicine. Always very kind and answered my many questions. RIP!

Kathy Levis First dentist I went to very nice man as was your mom

Robin Langloss Sending prayers

Shirley Kuyrkendall Cook After work hours,fell and cracked my two front teeth. He opened up and took care of me. Great guy

Karen Kelly Villescas So sorry to hear this, Dr. Dubay was a great man and of course I remember him as a great musician and singer at Church! Loved to hear his playing and singing. He will not be forgotten, may he rest in peace.

Ann Johnson He did a great job on my kid’s teeth during braces!!

Peggy Niday So sorry for your loss!

Carla Street Foster Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers , he was one of the best. He took care of all our family's dental needs in the 60s, 70s, 80s

Kathy Banks Hunt RIP Dr. DuBay.....good guy

Dave Frank Jerry, I have had friendships with your family in several different ways. Debbie was a classmate, Paul and I would talk about music for hours at a time, you at the bowling alley and other places. Your Dad helped me after a terrible accident getting my partial back in. I do remember a picture of him meeting Pope John Paul 2 at Living History Farms.

Donna Morgan Extending Sympathy to you/family & friends. Recall he loved playing harmonicas.

Carmen Bellon Very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for You, Paul and Denise. I remember being at your house when you guys lived by us and I had a loose baby tooth. I was scared and crying. Dr Dubay told me it would be okay and then asked to see my tooth so I opened my mouth and he touched my tooth and told me again it was okay. He then handed me my tooth without me feeling it. Great man. I also have a memory of him making pancakes on a Saturday morning after I spent the night.

Cindy Lou Whiteley-Stewart Sending our heartfelt sympathies & prayers

Tom Reed So sorry to hear this, Jerry. Both your parents, yourself, Mike, Danny Randy are very dear to my heart. I still think of you all, often. Miss Mike so much

Rachael Whaley Stauffer Prayers

Dawn Christian Much love to you & your family…. I spent a lot of hours in his dental chair as a kid & lot of time with him & Norma Jean at home. My uncle is Neil…. he & Debbie were my favorite people growing up. When they were home to visit, I often tagged along.

Thomas Cooley Again, so sorry for the loss to you and your family, Jerry.

Terry Hook Not only did he like to play the harmonica….he was so good he filled in for the Harmonicats when one of them could not perform. He would come to our house to practice with dad when ever he had to perform with the Harmonicats.

Rhonda Bennett So sorry! He was a great & funny man!

Lee Ann Moore He did my braces when I was young.Great man and sympathy to the family.

Ed Gibbs Sympathy to family Good dentist great man

Jeff Gillette Sorry to hear this, best wishes to your family

Mike Coates I recall visiting with your dad on graduation day at the party held in your home.

Jeff Douglas Thoughts and prayers to all!

Norma Mendenhall Rockhold Prayers to you all! I remember how important he always made you feel when you were in his dental chair. Such a good guy!

Joe Marcusson Prayers for you and your family Jerry. He was a great guy.

Lisa McCalmont Thoughts and prayers with you & your family, Jerry!

Christina Street-Warnock Prayers sorry 4 your loss he was my dentist all my childhood

Denver Saubert ...I’m really sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed listening to your dads stories and watching the way that he got so excited every time that we were around him.

Heidi Baker I only recall meeting your dad once, and this is my one story about him. Your family lived in Goldside and your parents had come to visit. Matthew and I showed up with a large flat of fresh strawberries to share. No one was home but you didn’t lock your doors so we went in and I prepped the berries so we could all enjoy them. I think I brought an angel food cake to put them on, but am not certain. I recall your dad saying something like, “No one has ever showed up to fix Bob DuBay strawberries like this before!” He was so happy and excited about it. We joined your family for a fun evening around the dining room table. It’s a very fond memory of mine

Heidi Enrado One of my fondest memories of Bob was when he'd whip out his huge harmonica & just jam on it. It gave him so much joy.

Randy Mixon Your dad was flawed as we all are, but he was still an amazing father to you as he was an amazing grandfather to me. I choose to remember him as such!

Dick Gardner Yes, Bob was one special fan and friend...he started the friendship well before I joined the "Cats'' in 1971...and I lasted 21 more years on the road...and glad it is over. Never recommend show biz to any family member or friend! Becoming a well known, well travelled Gypsy in a Tux, is a long way from my boyhood days on the farm! That little berg you kids grew up in is more my speed.

I wish you all well, and healing that is sure to come in time. Bob was really one of a kind...and the drive that guy always had... amazing man...that Harmonica playing Dentist...remember the sign on the ceiling over his dentist's chair...''Smile, you're on Candid Camera''! I said to Bob after reading that sign...'Robert, you have an amazing Stench of Humor! and that was the way it was for years...Adios, Bob....Dick Gardner... the Last Harmonicat ...

Penny (Dubé) Pefley Paul, My condolences to you, Denise and Jerry on the passing of your Dad, our Uncle Bob. I didn't realize you'd also lost your Mom and Debbie. It's a part of life, yet sad and unsettling to lose members of your nuclear family, as we all know. Thanks for letting us know, and sending the picture. He will remain in my memory with a hearty laugh, very dark hair, a dentist and musician, who lived most of his life in Des Moines, Iowa. Peace to you and your family

Jenny (Dubé) Halmstead Paul, so sorry to hear, and condolences to you, your brother and sister. I am interested in his obituary...he and your mom were my godparents. I had hoped the day would come when I would meet the 2 of them, as well as the rest of your family, although the likelihood seems to be decreasing, regrettably.

Dave Dubé My younger sister (by a year) and I got to spend time at Grandpa & Grandmas in Sunburst, which was really an adventure. I don't remember the occasion, but what I do remember is Uncle Bob making me a plane out of shirt cardboard. I was totally impressed. Uncle Bob did sign work on the kitchen table at our place in Shelby, he had a sleeping room with a woman with a spare room up the hill behind our house. And then there's the harmonica! Not that I remember a lot about it, but I knew that he had played with the Harmonicats, and I do remember a couple of sessions of family music after Mom's funeral. There was an Addy Motor sign on the side of a building near the corner of US 2, and the street running up to Main Street, and I sure wish I'd have taken a photo of it before it got covered up. In 2006, we had an Eddy's Bread wall sign here in Helena rehabbed by a group called Wall Dogs, from Iowa. As a matter of fact, I introduced myself to the woman who was running the show, and she told me your dad was her dentist!