Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes

Funeral Service: 2:00 pm Friday June 12, 2015

Location: Oakcrest church of Christ

Joe Austin Dodson, Sr. went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at the age of 91. The son of Benjamin Davis and Ruby Lee (Austin) Dodson, Joe was born May 20, 1924 in Cordell, Oklahoma. As a teenager, Joe was a soda jerk at Taylor Drug and played the clarinet in the Cordell High School band. He honorably served in the United States Army during World War II. Joe married the love of his life, Charlotte Day on September 4th, 1943. They were married for 71 years. Joe, Charlotte and his family successfully owned & operated Dodson's Cafeterias and Dodson Art Gallery for nearly 50 years. Longtime members of the south OKC community, Joe was a true leader who was actively involved in the South YMCA and Oakcrest church of Christ. He served as president and on the board of various organizations including the National and Oklahoma Restaurant Association and Oklahoma Christian University. Anyone who wanted a wonderful meal in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere knew that Joe would be serving the coffee and playing the organ at Dodson's Cafeteria almost every day. We will always hold dear his strong commitment to his Lord, his love for family and his service to the community. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will continue on within his family and the lives of those he touched.

He was preceded in death by his:

Parents.

He leaves cherished memories with his loving:

Wife of 71 years, Charlotte;

Son, Joe Dodson, Jr. and his wife, Dianne and their daughter, Kathryn and husband Patrick Campbell and son, Chris Dodson;

Son, David Dodson and his wife Sue, their children Dacia and husband Mike Harris and their son Jack, Danae and husband Luke Waits; Shelley & husband Ross Sauter;

Son, Benjamin Dodson and his children Nicholas and wife, Sarah Dodson and their son Hayden, Lance and wife, Danielle Dodson;

Son, Charles Dodson and his wife Diane and their children Chance and wife Julie; Chelsea and husband Casey Denton.