Clifford Edwin Dodson, 1922-2019
Clifford Edwin Dodson, 97, died peacefully at Longview Regional Hospital on Aug. 26, 2019. Clifford was born on Aug. 4, 1922 in Ivanhoe, Fannin County, as one of eight children to the late Albert D. Dodson, and the late Christine Graves Dodson. Clifford attended Ivanhoe schools and in 1943 joined the U.S. Army participating in World War II in the Pacific Rim. Clifford was honorably discharged in 1946.
In 1952 Clifford moved to Mineola and started Dodson Seat Covers which he owned and operated for almost 40 years. In 1967 Clifford married Kathryn Godwin of Mineola and was married to her at the time of his death.
Clifford was an active participant in community and church activities serving for over 50 years in the Mineola Lions Club, as well as being an active member for 65 years in Masonic Lodge. Clifford faithfully served the Broadway Church of Christ and the Mineola Church of Christ until his death.
Clifford was preceded in death by parents, Albert D. Dodson and Christine Graves Dodson; brothers, Dennis, Vertis, Tobe, Ward, Lloyd and Stanley Dodson; sister, Nadine Hopkins; son in law, Skip Fletcher; stepson, Jim Godwin; grandchild, Rodney Harle Fletcher; and Flo Easely, mother of Clifford’s children.
Clifford is survived by wife, Kathryn Dodson; children, Larry Dodson and wife Pam, Glenda Dodson Fletcher, and Chris Dodson Williams and husband Joe; stepsons, Mark Godwin and wife Angie, Phil Godwin and wife Molly, and Roy Godwin; grandchildren, Clint Dodson, Kristen Dodson, Aaron Fletcher, Amber Fletcher, Jason Williams, Ryan Williams and Kacie Williams; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Beaty Funeral Home, Mineola with the funeral service to be Friday, Aug. 30 at Beaty Funeral Home. Interment will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery immediately following the service.
