Theodore Travis Dodson, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2016, at Moab Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.
Ted was born on February 16, 1925, in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania, to parents Theodore Travis and Hannah Velma (Gahagan) Dodson. He had two brothers, Robert and William; one sister, Nancy (Martin); and two stepsisters, Marge (George) and Marion (Stilwell).
Ted graduated from Powell High School in Powell, Wyoming, and joined the Army Air Force on December 8, 1943, where he became an Aviation Cadet. Upon his discharge on November 5, 1945, he attended Iowa State College to earn a degree in agriculture. He started his long career in the dairy industry with Meadow Gold Farms and was the plant manager for various dairies across the country, including Wyoming, Utah, Washington and California. He loved Utah and upon his retirement returned to Ogden to be close to his family and friends and eventually moved to Moab to live with his caring daughter, Janet and her husband, Mac.
After returning from the service, Ted married the love of his life, a beautiful cadet nurse, Eleanor Jean Powell. They were married on December 4, 1945, and were soul mates for over 70 years. Together they raised four children: Jean (Leigh) Verley of Bullhead City, Arizona; Jim (Linda) of Casper, Wyoming; Janet (Mac) McLean of Moab, Utah; and Ken (Sandy) of West Jordan, Utah. They have nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with one more great-grandchild expected to arrive in September.
Ted loved to travel, visiting many of the national parks and attending two World Fairs. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially the Moab area, as well as fixing things, reading and playing croquet. He was active with his church and was a past Grand Master of the I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows).
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert and his stepsister Marge. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 9, at the Community Church of Moab, with interment at the Grand Valley Cemetery in Moab.
The family has requested that donations, if desired, be made to the Community Church of Moab. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
