Stokes Richard Dodson

Stokes Richard "Dick" Dodson, Jr.,age 78, passed away on Friday, January 13th at Midland Hospice House.
He was born in Hoyt, Kansas on June 3, 1927, son of Stokes and Beulah Dodson. He attended Lowman and Randolph Grade Schools, Boswell Junior High and graduated from Topeka High School in 1945, where he pitched for the baseball team. He attended Washburn University.
Dick signed to play for the Yankee Organization in 1946 and pitched in the K.O.M. minor league in Independence, Kansas; Duncan, Oklahoma; and Homan, Louisiana. Later, he loved playing golf and was fortunate to have played at St. Andrews. Dick was thrilled to get a hole in one at the Lake Shawnee Golf Course.
He served in the US Marine Corp. during World War II and the Korean Conflict.
Dick worked in management at Goodyear Tire in multiple areas and for several years was Division Superintendent of Earthmovers. He received the Goodyear Spirit Award in 1973. Dick retired in 1989 after 37 years of service.
He had been an active member of Countryside United Methodist Church for 40 years. Dick chaired and participated on various committees. He also served on the Executive Board of the Boy's Club where he was instrumental in organizing the baseball program and coached the first team. He actively supported the Thunderbolt Track Club for many years and was a volunteer for Let's Help and the Rescue Mission.
Dick married Doris Dryden in Oskaloosa, Kansas, on November 20, 1948. She survives. His brother, Lee Dodson, of Topeka, also survives. He was preceded in death by his brother Vernis and his parents.
Other survivors include daughter Debra Grondahl and her husband Orvin Grondahl Jr., daughter Dena Bullard, all of Topeka; and daughter Julie Bervert and her husband Tim Bervert of Auburn, Kansas. Grandchildren include Jenny Grondahl, Los Angeles, California; Brian and Angela Grondahl, Overland Park, Kansas; Rachael Bullard, Kansas City, Missouri; Christopher, Gabe and Brianna Bullard, Topeka; Jason and Kyrstin Bervert, Dallas, Texas; and Jake Bervert, Auburn, Kansas. Great-grandson Isaac Grondahl also survives.
Dick will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, at Penwell-Gable Midtown Chapel where the family will greet friends from 7-8 pm. that evening.
Funeral services will be held at Countryside United Methodist Church at 10 am on Tuesday, January 17th. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, KS 66611and/or The Alzheimer's Association.
Condolences and messages may be sent to the family at www.PenwellGabel.com..