Gerald D. "Jerry" Dodson, Sr.

Gerald Duane Dodson, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

Jerry was born May 21, 1933 in Des Moines to Eldred L. and Hazel (Sibert) Dodson. He married Carolyn Kay Fahrney and they enjoyed 43 years together. Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an MM2 aboard the USS Platte A.O. 24 for four years and then in the Reserves for four years. Jerry completed two years of college in California and worked at Edison for many years before moving back to Iowa. He retired from Firestone after 21 years.

Jerry was a member of the Highland Park American Legion Post #374 as well as the elite 40 and 8 in Newton. He took great pride in providing the 21 gun salute in honor of fellow veterans who had passed. Jerry was Chef de Train of the 40 and 8 Grande du Iowa. He volunteered at the Des Moines Public Schools to educate children about the history of the flag and them out during his presentations. Jerry also volunteered at the V.A. Hospital for ten years.

Jerry enjoyed genealogy research and was able to trace his ancestry back to 1752 and 1754 on both sides of his family tree. He acted as the Historian for the American Legion and won 1st Place plaques for the state of Iowa for four years. Jerry collected model and scale cars and enjoyed camping and fishing. He treasured traveling the world with his wife but above all else, he loved spending time with his grandsons.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; daughter, Deanna Geissinger (Mike Scott); grandsons, Gerald Dodson III (Olivia), T.J. Scovel, Allen Scovel and Callen Scovel; sister, Audrey Warner; numerous nieces and nephews, other loving relatives and many special friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gerald Dodson, Jr.; grandson, Jonny Dodson; and five siblings.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines with burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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