John L. Dumbacher, 93, of Huntsville, AL passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2024. John was born on April 29,1930 in Cincinnati, OH to the late John L. and Regina (Braun) Dumbacher. John graduated from Simon Kenton High School in Independence, KY and soon after volunteered and enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he served as a radio technician. Following his service, John graduated from the University of Kentucky with an Electrical Engineering degree, and worked as an engineer in Indianapolis, IN. He later transferred to the US Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. He was among the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the US PATRIOT missile system.
In addition, John was a realtor, establishing Results Realty in Huntsville, which specialized in waterfront properties. John was also an avid private pilot for over 60 years– retaining his license to fly with the United Flying Octogenarians. During his years in Huntsville, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Civil Air Patrol and Huntsville Area Association of Realtors.
John is survived by his five sons: Dan (Lee) of Potomac, MD, Joe, John of Pasadena, CA. Paul (Carol) and Mark of Huntsville. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Erin Dumbacher (David) of Washington, DC, Dana Dumbacher (Chris) of Falcon Heights, MN, Brad Dumbacher of Washington, DC, Alexis Smith (Jake) of Owens Cross Roads, AL, Hayley Dumbacher of Atlanta, GA, Jennifer, Adam and Jacob Dumbacher, all of Huntsville, Jack Marder and Jesse Jensen of CA., and his five great-grandchildren: Jude, Ada, Bowie, Rhett and Louis. John also leaves one sister, Ellen Swift, of Crawfordsville, IN, several nieces and nephews, his wife, Magdalena, and many dear friends. John was predeceased by his wife of 65-years, Rita (Schoborg) Dumbacher, his brother Daniel D. Dumbacher and his sister Joan Leuer.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Hospice Family Care, especially Leslie and Rhonda, for their patience and kindness in John’s final days.
Visitation will be held on Thursday January 18, 2024, from 6pm until 8pm, with a rosary beginning at 7:30pm, at Hampton Cove Funeral Home, 6262 US-431, Owens Cross Roads, AL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Traditional Roman Catholic Church, 1139 US-Hwy 231, Laceys Spring, AL. Burial will follow at Hampton Cove Memorial Gardens, adjacent to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
