Robert M. Dodson, 89 and a Bremen resident since 1962, passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa.
Robert was born on April 16, 1923 in Plymouth to George W. and Olive R. (Schroeder) Dodson. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1941.
On June 10, 1943, Robert married Lois Clevenger in Philadelphia, PA.
Robert enlisted into the US Navy on January 23, 1943. In the military, he served on the USS Battleship New Jersey in the Pacific during WWII. He was a Fire Controlman 3rd Class which gave him responsibility of directing guns to a target. Robert was very proud of his military life and was honorably discharged on November 5, 1945.
He worked for Bendix in Mishawaka for 25 years. Robert was an original member of a team of engineers that worked on a project whose code name was “Operation Bumble Bee”. As a result of this project it led to the creation of the TALOS missle which he helped to desdign. After retiring from Bendix in 1970, he worked as a sales representative for Buchan Aerospace Corporation. In 1978, Robert started his own machine shop, Talos Engineering, Inc. He didn’t officially retire from what he loved doing until he was in his mid-80s.
Robert enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. His family was his life.
Robert is survived by his four children: Carleen Dils of Elkhart, Richard (Sheri) Dodson of Nappanee, Roger (Kathleen) Dodson of Franklin, and Lisa (Scott) Muncy of LaFayette; brothers, Dale and Ronald Dodson of Plymouth; and sisters, Marilyn (Harvey) Bartsch of Madison, WI, Janice Dodson of Madison, WI, Margaret Roahrig of Plymouth, and Rita Dodson of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren: Trent (Bridget) Dodson, Wesley (Teresa) Dodson, Darin Dodson, Amy (Cliff) Westwood, Eric Dils, Brock Dodson, Todd Dodson, Monica Dodson, and Matt and Megan Muncy; great-grandchildren: Ian and Katie Westwood, Ethan Dils and Quinn and Truman Dodson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lois in 1991, brothers: Edwin, Keith, Walter, Glen and infant brother, Earl Dodson, an infant sister, Edith, and son-in-law, Stephen Dils.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 1– 5 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN.
Funeral services will be on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Oakhill Cemetery with military honors provided by members of the Bremen VFW Post 8972 and the American Legion Otho B Place Post 191.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bremen VFW Post 8972, 1750 West Plymouth St., Bremen, IN 46506.
Curt Rowe says
I am very sorry for your loss. I really liked your Dad, he was a nice guy and fun to be around. When ever I see History Channel shows that involve the New Jersey, I think of your Dad and the things that he told us about the ship. May the knowledge that he is in a better place help you through this difficult time.
Jane and Jim Snider says
Rich and Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during your loss. I (Jim) always enjoyed talking with Bob after many football games he attended and get-togethers after games. He always seemed to have some \”advice\” to help us as coaches. What was really great was that he was there to support his family. He will be missed.
Dave & Bets Hahn says
Rich & Sherry,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking of you. Take care.
Gary Main says
Carleen, Rich, Roger and Lisa I pray for peace for you and your loved ones in this difficult time.
Your father didn?t just help your mother raise the four of you on Mill street but rather a whole neiborhood. The Main, Ritter and Wagner boys all knew the strong giving hand of Bob Dodson and I for one will continue to remember him as a great father to us all.
Kathy and Bryan Lynch and family says
Lisa, Scott and family,
We\’re sorry to read of your father\’s passing. We\’ll pray for your memories to help heal and fill the void in your hearts. As we\’ve all learned in the past few months, God gives us strength through those around us. Take comfort in knowing that there are many of us supporting you now and always.
Jeannie Lawrence says
When we were young, I looked forward to seeing Bob and Lois, whether at church, a family reunion or a school sporting event. They were a big part of my extended family and I was saddened to learn of Bob\’s passing away.
May he rest comfortably and enjoy his well-earned spiritual reward.
Susie Kubley says
I was reminded of all the good times our families had when we were growing up. Both of your parents were great people who certainly had a love of life and a sense of humor. I just want you all to know that I have been thinking of you and understand your loss.
Sincerely,
Susie Kubley
Curt Rowe says
I am very sorry for your loss. I really liked your Dad, he was a nice guy and fun to be around. When ever I see History Channel shows that involve the New Jersey, I think of your Dad and the things that he told us about the ship. May the knowledge that he is in a better place help you through this difficult time.
Jane and Jim Snider says
Rich and Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during your loss. I (Jim) always enjoyed talking with Bob after many football games he attended and get-togethers after games. He always seemed to have some \”advice\” to help us as coaches. What was really great was that he was there to support his family. He will be missed.
Dave & Bets Hahn says
Rich & Sherry,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking of you. Take care.
Gary Main says
Carleen, Rich, Roger and Lisa I pray for peace for you and your loved ones in this difficult time.
Your father didn?t just help your mother raise the four of you on Mill street but rather a whole neiborhood. The Main, Ritter and Wagner boys all knew the strong giving hand of Bob Dodson and I for one will continue to remember him as a great father to us all.
Kathy and Bryan Lynch and family says
Lisa, Scott and family,
We\’re sorry to read of your father\’s passing. We\’ll pray for your memories to help heal and fill the void in your hearts. As we\’ve all learned in the past few months, God gives us strength through those around us. Take comfort in knowing that there are many of us supporting you now and always.
Jeannie Lawrence says
When we were young, I looked forward to seeing Bob and Lois, whether at church, a family reunion or a school sporting event. They were a big part of my extended family and I was saddened to learn of Bob\’s passing away.
May he rest comfortably and enjoy his well-earned spiritual reward.
Susie Kubley says
I was reminded of all the good times our families had when we were growing up. Both of your parents were great people who certainly had a love of life and a sense of humor. I just want you all to know that I have been thinking of you and understand your loss.
Sincerely,
Susie Kubley