Donald Leroy Dodson, age 89 of North Platte, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at Centennial Park Retirement Village.
Don was born in North Platte, NE on September 5, 1929 to Thomas George “Toots” and Mary Cecilia (Power) Dodson. He grew up in North Platte, attending McDaid Elementary and St. Patrick Catholic school, graduating in 1949. He also completed two years of college at Kearney.
For a period of four years he served in the Air Force, being stationed in Nebraska, Texas, California, Kansas, and Colorado. He concluded his military career as a B38 radar instructor at Lowry Air Force base in Colorado. Don followed the grain harvesters for a year after the service, travelling the U.S. operating a combine. From an early age, Don assisted his Dad and brothers in moving homes and salvaging homes from within a 100 mile radius of North Platte. He also cut and removed trees with his brothers from the same local area. His full-time occupation was working as a conductor for 42 years at Union Pacific Railroad. Don courted and married Marlene Elizabeth May in 1961, in Aurora, CO. The couple raised five children; David and Debra Craig, and Doug, Greg, and Mark Dodson. They lived in a home relocated by the Dodson crew, and completely remodeled by Mom and Dad. Don enjoyed the out-of-doors, remembering his Canadian and McConaughy fishing excursions and hunting trips to Wyoming. Hunting locally included partnering with his dog Patches, a true companion for many years. His most memorable times were with his family: his six brothers and one sister, his wife and children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had a particular and genuine fondness for the little children, possibly because they were so honest and innocent. He exhibited a quick sense of humor; making someone happy made his day. He never complained. As a parent, he promoted a hard work ethic to encourage self-worth, determination, and success in life. By exhibiting these traits Don will be in our hearts forever.
Don is survived by his wife Marlene of North Platte; children David (Nancy) Craig of Indiana, Debra (Gale) Luenenborg of North Platte, Doug (Chula) Dodson of South Carolina, Greg (Christine) Dodson of Texas, and Mark Dodson of Georgia; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Mary Beth Dodson and Mary Ann Carlson; step-sister Rosella Huether; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother Anna Abel Dodson; six brothers George, Joe, Bill, Jim, Tom, and Francis; sister Darlene Peters; sisters-in-law Shirley Dodson, Gloria Dodson, Norma Dodson, and Jane Dodson; brother-in-law Glenn Abel; and step-brother George Abel.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday October 15, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with The Reverend Matthew Nash as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. A luncheon will follow the inurnment at The Moose Lodge in North Platte. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.