Wayne Dotson, 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, May 11, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.
Henry Wayne was born July 11, 1928, to Steven Creighton and Louise Anna Keltner Dotson at Osceola, MO. He grew up in Missouri and Oregon and graduated from high school in Eugene, OR. Wayne moved to North Platte in 1947 where he worked for the Crawford Electric Company for two years before joining the U.S. Army in October 1950. He was discharged in December due to an injury then returned to North Platte. Wayne later hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked as an electrician until he retired in 1986 as Electrical Supervisor. Wayne had, without a doubt, an electrician’s license as an Electrical Supervisor for the Nebraska-Kansas Division of the railroad. He also had a great sense of humor.
On August 9, 1951, Wayne married the love of his life, Doris Jean Hedrick, at North Platte where they made their home and raised five children. Wayne and Doris bought Andy’s Pub in 1986 and renamed it Doris’ Tavern. They operated the tavern until 1999 when they sold it and retired. Wayne and Doris had celebrated 58 years of marriage together before she passed away in 2009.
Wayne was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elks Lodge #985 and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. Wayne was a passionate man who enjoyed his work. In his spare time he liked coaching baseball and watching his kids grow. He never missed a band concert or ball game they participated in. Wayne also loved the outdoors, fishing and camping, and was an avid Husker fan.
He was extremely loving and proud of his kids. At times, Wayne was overwhelming with his kind, gentle way that he had with others. He will be remembered for that smile he had and his little wink.
He is survived by his children, Kathy (Skeeter) Cobb, of Cambridge, NE, Pepper (Kathy) Dotson, of North Platte, Don Dotson, of Aspen, CO, and Dan Dotson, of Windsor, CO; daughter-in-law, Marie Dotson, of Tamaqua, PA; 13 grandchildren, Aimee Dotson, Aaron Dotson, Sheila (Mark) Bigelow, Dianna (Matt) Brouillette, Dan Dotson, Megan (Frank) Harwager, Brady (Ashley) Robirds, Misty (John) Ham, Sydnie Dotson Hansen, Tayler Dotson Hansen, Garrett Dotson, Justin (Catherine) Cobb and Tyler (Monica) Cobb; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and other family.
Along with his wife, Doris, Wayne was preceded in death by their son, David Wayne Dotson; his parents, Steve and Louise Dotson; and sister, Lois Sims.
Cremation was chosen. Services will be Friday, May 15, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A Rosary Service will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 with Father Jim Golka as celebrant. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.