Kenneth L. Dodson

Kenneth L. Dodson
April 25, 1933 - Dec. 5, 2015
Kenneth Dodson was a man of faith. He has left behind a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who love and seek God with all their hearts. He truly believed Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do all the good things He planned for us long ago." Dad was a faithful longtime member of Flora Vista First Baptist Church serving as a deacon for more than 30 years. His hope was that all would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Dad struggled with a debilitating disease called Spinocerebellar. This disease attacks the brainstem affecting the function of a person' speech and balance. Most people thought he had suffered a stroke. Although it was difficult for people to understand his speech it never stopped him from telling his comical stories. Dad never complained. He was such an overcomer. At the age of 28 while working construction at the San Juan Power Plant he stepped into a 20 feet whole. Falling 20 feet left him with both heals badly broken and a prognosis of never walking again. Being the stubborn red head he was the doctor would not have the final say!
Learning to walk again was not an easy task after such a serious accident, but he did it. Being more than an overcomer was in his blood. He had a wife and two children to provide for and he would make sure he did his job as a father and a husband. After many months of rehabilitation, he walked into the U.S. Post Office and began a 30 years' career as a postal clerk. At this point in his life he was not using a walker, GoGo or power chair. He walked on his own two feet, yes he walked like a duck but with his fierce determination and fiery auburn hair he became known as "Red the Union Man." He served the American Postal Workers Union in several capacities including president of his local union for many, many years.
He served in the U.S. Army where he flew miniature airplanes for military maneuvering. He thought it was funny that he had flown small airplanes that are now known as drones. Dad was an avid lover of dominoes, especially "42" but a good game of Mexican Train would do as well. And he never turned down an opportunity to play pinochle. Dad was a loyal Seattle Seahawks fan and loved being razzed by his grandchildren calling his team the Seachickens.
The greatest love of his life was Sue "The Wife" as he lovingly called her for nearly 59 years. His greatest joy was his two children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Zearl Dodson and Gladys Howard; brothers, Bob Dodson, Zearl Dodson "Jr" and Don Dodson. He is survived by his wife, Sue Dodson; son, Bart Dodson (Janet); daughter, Tammy Thomas (Dan); grandchildren, Lynn Luis, Ken Dodson (Ashley), Meagan Dodson, Luke Dodson, Emily Dodson, Chayton Ruijsenaars, Silas Thomas (Tera), Eli Thomas (Crissy) and Levi Thomas; great-grandchildren, Johnny Luis, Brooke Luis, Tyler Luis, Roman Dodson, Noah Thomas, Jude Thomas, Elias Thomas and Mason Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to, Knowledge Equips Inc., PO Box 694, Farmington, NM 87499. This is an organization founded and directed by his children and grandchildren to equip communities with accurate information to promote sexual integrity, help with teen addiction, self-mutilation and encourage healthy productive lives and strengthen self-worth.
Kenneth's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., 505-334-9332. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.