Donald L. Dotson

Donald L. Dotson, 74. of Soap Lake, beloved husband and father, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, following a brief battle with brain cancer. He was a 43-year resident of the Ephrata/Soap Lake area.

He was born in Roy, Mont., on Aug. 26, 1933, to Enos Laurel and Fern Dotson, the third of five children. Upon graduation from high school in 1951, he entered the U.S. Navy in January 1952 and was honorably discharged in January 1956.

Don married his loving wife of 51 years. Barbara Gail (Ellard) Dotson on May 10, 1957, in Livingston, Mont. He went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronic technician in 1959, retiring in August 1987. He continued in the work force until 2006, working as an electronics navcom/telecom consultant, and also for H&R Block. During his spare time, Don enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and flying; but above all else, he enjoyed being with family and friends. His gentle spirit, wise counsel and caring heart were his gifts to all who knew him. He had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him to the very end. Don is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 51 years. Barbara Dotson; five children, Curtis and wife Sheryl Dotson of Soap Lake, Gerald and wife Rachel Dotson of Ephrata, Laurel Don and wife Chris Dotson of Clarkston, Wash., Carl Dotson of Bellevue, Wash., and Darla Dotson Meise and husband Fred Meise of Moses Lake; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry and wife Peg Dotson of Great Falls. Mont.; and sisters Dolores Yarnot and Barbara Smith, both of Great Falls, Mont. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Edna Elmore. A memorial service in celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Bethlehem Chapel Assembly of God Church. A graveside service will follow at Valley View Memorial Park in Soap Lake. A private family viewing at Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a public viewing at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata is in charge of arrangements.