Lloyd Dodson

Dr. Lloyd Lee Dodson, 89, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Dec. 21 with his loving family by his side.

Lee was born on Apr. 20, 1924 to Stokes and Beulah Dodson. He grew up in Topeka, having attended Lowman Hill and Randolph grade schools, Boswell Junior High, and in 1942, he graduated from Topeka High School. He later graduated from Washburn University earning a Bachelor's Degree in History Education. He went on to receive a Master's Degree and Doctorate Degree, both in the field of Education, from the University of Kansas.

As a young man, he taught and coached at Tecumseh Grade School, where he eventually became the Principal, then Superintendent of Tecumseh Schools. During this timeframe, he helped pioneer a special education program and promoted female athletics in the Tecumseh School District. In 1966, he became the Dean of Students at Washburn University of Topeka. As the Vice President for Student Affairs, he helped and mentored many college students until he retired in 1989. Because of his deep love for education, he continued to teach various classes at Allen County Community College through 2009.
Lee had also enlisted in the US Army in November 1942 serving in the 1574th as a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers. He served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation during World War II until March, 1946. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, France and in Aachen, Germany. He also served for several months in Okinawa.

In addition to his extraordinary love for his family, education, history, and the US Army, Lee was most well-known for his great passion and love for the game of baseball. He played as a young boy for various teams throughout Topeka. After his discharge from the US Army in 1946, he signed a professional contract as a right-handed pitcher with the Chanute Owls of the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri (KOM) League where he led the team to a league championship. He was later sold to the Topeka Owls in 1947 and at the end of the season, was traded to the New York Yankees. He subsequently played for the Kansas City Blues and the Newark Bears and other minor league baseball teams through 1951. His professional baseball career was highlighted on June 18, 1948 at an exhibition game in Kansas City when he struck out Joe DiMaggio after having thrown only three pitches.

After his playing career, Lee created and managed several baseball leagues throughout Topeka. Some of those leagues include: the Elks League, the Babe Ruth League, the Tecumseh League, the Suburban League, the Walter Johnson League, the Over 30 League, and the Fireball League. He was also an active participant in the American Legion, Sertoma Club, Elks Club, Kiwanis, and the Lincoln Club for many years.

Throughout his 89 years, Lee profoundly affected many people through his vast experience as an educator; while playing and managing baseball for decades; and while serving in the US Army. His genuine love and devotion to people was obvious as he had many friends, but he will be missed the most by his family who so deeply loved and adored him. He was the greatest son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather anyone could ever hope to have. May our sweet and loving daddy forever rest in peace.

Lee was married to Kathleen O'Brien Dodson, (deceased) for 46 years and together they had five children. His eldest daughter, Mary Lee passed away in 2009. Lee is survived by his three sons James (Mary), Richard (Alyssa), and Steven (Dianne) Dodson, and his daughter Kathleen Dodson Fick, Major General (Ret.), USAF. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David Fick (Lisa), Heidi Chermak (Tracy), Dorene Dodson, Zachariah Dodson, Kathleen Dodson, and Boone Dodson. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Dexter Chermak and Madison Fick.

Lee will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 26 at the Penwell-Gabel Midtown Chapel where his family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 27 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Carbondale, Kansas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to any of the following: the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Valeo CARE Program, and/or Wounded Warriors.