Donald Louis Corbin

Donald Louis Corbin


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Dec 12th, 2016

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  • Death Date: Dec 12, 2016

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Biography: Donald Louis Corbin, retired Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, died December 12, 2016, at home surrounded by his family. He was born March 29, 1938, in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the home of his parents, Louis Emerson and Louise Corbin. He is survived by his wife, Dorcy Kyle Corbin, and their five children, Kyle (Amanda) of Denver, Jennifer, Allison (Addison Anthony), Slater all of Little Rock, and Ashley of Denver and his only grandchild, 6 month old Emerson Claire Anthony, and a host of other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, his son, Byron, and his brother Glen. Donny spent his early years in Hot Springs and moved to Lewisville after his father?s discharge from the Navy, where he played football and was a national champion poultry judge. After completing his service with the Marines, Donny attended law school at the University of Arkansas and recently celebrated his 50-year law school graduation. Donny practiced law in De Queen, then in Lewisville, and Stamps. In 1971, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives where he was instrumental in passing the Rural Medical Practice Act and in obtaining funding for the neonatal unit at ACH. In 1980, he was elected to the Arkansas Court of Appeals and served four years as Chief Judge. He was elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1990 and served until he retired in December 2014. His professional accomplishments were numerous, penning over 1,150 opinions while a jurist. He will be remembered by his friends as one who told stories about his children. Donny often said that his children ?may not be perfect, but they are close enough for me.?. Whether it was standing in the freezing weather during his kids?games or being the house parent for his daughters? soccer camp, Donny could always be found cheering on his kids. He and former Justice Tom Glaze coached Kyle?s baseball team one season and that was an experience that brought both of them much joy. He was most pleased that his children grew up to be caring and compassionate adults who have maintained a closeness to each other that is experienced by few. Donny experienced many health crises through the years and is thankful to the medical staff, doctors, and the prayers of many for his longevity. A special thanks to his heart surgeons LeRoy LeNarz (1988), Tom Hoffman (1990), Derlis Martino (2010) and cardiologist Gary Collins. Special thanks to Dr. Brad Baltz, who helped Donny beat lung cancer in 2010. Their skills allowed Donny to fulfill many dreams. He performed Kyle?s wedding ceremony, swore Jennifer in as an attorney, walked Allison down the aisle, met and fell in love with his granddaughter, Emerson Claire. He witnessed all five of their children graduate from college. He saw Slater finish his first semester of graduate school (a 3rd generation Marine) and saw Ashley master three languages and travel fearlessly across 4 continents and 28 countries. A special thanks to Dr. Patrick Campbell, Donny?s most recent CHF doctor who provided superb care during this most difficult final battle with heart failure. A Rosary will be Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 1pm at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 5-7p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 16, 2016 at 10am at the Cathedral of St. Andrew with a reception immediately following. There will be a private burial. Donations may be made to the St. Thomas More Society (P.O.Box 1426, N.L.R. 72115) to be used for a Book Award in the name of Justice Corbin for students at the University of Arkansas School of Law, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, or the Msgr. Allen Trust Fund.

Condolences(16)
Lisa H
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I just became aware of Judge Corbin's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a very kind and caring man.I know he'll be missed greatly.
Darlene Carvin
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I had the privilege of meeting and becoming a friend of Donny in the 70's. There were many fun times in those days especially when Donny was a state Representative! I remember how happy he was to marry Dorsey and those of us who knew him, were really happy for them. Through the years we shared happy times when our children were young at Magic Springs. As the children grew we lost touch but always enjoyed seeing one another at functions through the years and reminiscing. Recently Donnie and I shared dinners and I am fortunate to have had the chance to say "good bye" at his home. Donnie was one of the Kindest and most ethical people I ever met and I personally will miss him.
EC
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
John 5:28,29

Fr. John Oswald
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorcy:
I can't be at the Funeral. Msgr. LeSieur gave a good sermon. Donny may he at rest.
Fr. John Oswald
Rex and Deby Jones
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are truly saddened by your loss. Your family can be proud of the legacy he is leaving behind though. All of us living in Arkansas are better because of his wisdom and leadership. On a more personal note, he raised a great young man we're proud to have as our son in law.
Reginald Rogers
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorcy and Family : God Bless you and your family at this time and always ! Justice Corbin was truly A Man For All Seasons ! May he rest in the Peace of Christ. Reg Rogers, St. Thomas More Society of Arkansas Board of Directors
Jane W. Sexton
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorcy, Kyle, Jennifer, Allison, Slater, Ashley and family: You all will be in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. Your entire family is an inspiration to all as your close bonds, love, and support for one another are palpable. Your love for one another is as abundantly clear as Donny Corbin's love was for each of you. He was an amazing man who left his State a great legacy in, among other things, law and civility. His legacy lives on in each of you.May God bless and keep you all in the Hollow of His Hand.
Marcia Barnes
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Dorcy and Family:

My thoughts are with you at this time. Justice Corbin are of a personable, caring, dedicated jurist and loving family man. His public service was inspiring to me when I was a newbie attorney many ages ago. He was truly a wonderful person.
Penny Rea
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I'm so sorry to hear that such a wonderful guy has passed. I met Donnie back in 2000 when he came to me to Stop Smoking. He said give it your best shot lady. He said he was doing because his kids asked him to. He bragged on his kids for the first 1/2 hour then admitted he wanted to quit for himself too. I feel he is responsible for helping me get my business going. He told everyone!! He'd call every once in awhile to remind me he was still not smoking. What a great man he was. The heavens are going to be in stitches for awhile now that he's arrived. God bless all of you. He will be missed.
Penny Rea
Elizabeth Fletcher
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry to hear of Judge Corbin's passing. I met him shortly after graduating from law school and he was one of the warmest, most genuine and friendly persons I have ever met; as well as being an exceptional lawyer and jurist. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Kerri Peden
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Heartfelt condolences, grace and peace to family and those many friends who enjoyed the way he embraced life and his deep love and affection for his family. He was SO proud of his kids!
Rick and Angela Freer
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorcy, Kyle, Jennifer, Allison, Slater, Ashley, and extended family: You all are in our thoughts and our prayers. We only had the pleasure of meeting Judge Corbin a couple of times, but he always had a huge smile on his face, a welcoming handshake, and a twinkle in his eyes. It was obvious that he deeply loved his family and cherished his time with you all. May you find comfort and strength within one another through these difficult times and rest assured knowing that he will be watching over each of you.
John Michael Comeau
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am deeply sorry for the whole Corbin families loss of Donny! May the Perpetual Light shine upon him and may he and the souls in Pergutory rest in peace in Heaven! Your family is in my Rosary!
Ann Woisard
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dorcy I am sorry to hear of Donny's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how very proud PopC was of Donny.
Jimmie Taylor
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Sincere condolences from your Paris Island Marine Corps buddy
Betty Jo and Nancy Thornton
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We love you Dorcy, and your family. So many memories we share. Please know we are with you, in spirit, as Donny climbs those final steps.

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