George H. Dodson, of Sullivan, MO, passed away at Rolla, Missouri on Tuesday, September 5, 2016 at the age of 87 years, four months and 20 days.
Mr. Dodson was born at Lowry City, MO on April 15, 1929 to the late Orville Eugene and Isabella Zada (Van Patton) Dodson. At the age of 17, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and honorably served his country during WWII. George attained the rank of Quarter Master 3rd Class and was assigned duty aboard the USS Furse. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Medal in the European Theater, the China Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After his discharge, George resided in Kansas City, MO, where he was employed by Mobil Oil Company driving a transport truck hauling airplane fuel. While living in Kansas City, George met and married Eunice May Blankenship and to this marriage four children were born. He began a career in Public Safety at Licking, MO, where he was the City Marshall. His later employment included police work for the cities of Cuba and Sullivan. In 1983, George was married to Carol Sue (Minx) Schmidt and lived in Pacific, MO, where he was employed 10 years for the Department of Corrections. His career then expanded to Franklin County where he was a Deputy Sheriff for seven years. Later, he became employed with Crawford County as a Deputy where he worked for five years until his retirement. George was also a life-time member of Sullivan Lodge #69 AF&AM. He enjoyed fishing with his best friend, the late Jim Squires and took pleasure flying with his brother Bob.
He is survived by his wife Carol of the family home; four children, a daughter Teresa Ray of Edgar Springs, MO; three sons, David Dodson and wife Jan of Rolla, MO, Mike Dodson of Rolla, MO and Rodger Dodson and wife Michelle of Salem, MO; two step-daughters, Frieda Obermark of Edgar Springs, MO and Cheryl Dummerling of the State of Ohio; four step-sons, Dennis Lawrence and wife Becky of Stanton, MO and Douglas Schmidt and wife Nicole of Stanton, MO, Mark Lawrence and wife Courtney of Mt. Juliette, TN and Steven Lawrence and wife Patty of Sullivan, MO; one sister, Carmelita Midred of Ottawa, KS; one brother, Robert Dodson and wife Pam of Ottawa, KS; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, George was preceded in death by a sister, Russie Harris and two brothers, Russell Dodson and Elmer Dodson.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016 from New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan with Pastor Charles Idleman officiating. Interment, with Military Honors was in Odd Fellows Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., Friday from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sullivan Masonic Lodge Building Fund.
Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, MO.