A Celebration of Life for James Wesley Dodson, 95, Enid, is 10:00 am, Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev Jim Edmison will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evan s Funeral Home.

James was born October 23, 1921 in McLoud, Oklahoma to Thomas Edward and Lillian (Couch) Dodson, and passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 in Enid.

He is a 1940 graduate of Webb City High School. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1949 with an engineering degree. During WWII he interrupted his education to serve in the US Army Air Corps. He served from 1942 to 1946, and flew 25 combat missions as both pilot and co-pilot of B-17 Flying Fortress. After graduating from OU, James worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for 36 years, retiring in 1985. He was resident engineer of Enid DOT from 1962 until his retirement.

On June 20, 1953 he married Pauline Evans. She preceded him in death in 1983. In August 1986 he married Betty Mesloh. She preceded him death in 2010.

He always loved animals, spending time with his family and was an avid OU football fan. He enjoyed coon hunting, raising horses and fishing. In later years he looked forward to his Thursday morning coffee with “the boys.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Pauline Dodson; wife Betty Dodson; three brothers, two sisters; and a niece.

He is survived by a daughter, Jane DiLuzio of Enid; granddaughter, Sarah Stauffer and husband Jacob, of Broken Arrow, OK; great-granddaughter, Avery Stauffer and her little brother, due this November; one niece and five nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews and longtime caregiver and friend, Larry Smith.

Memorials in James’ name may be made to Hospice Circle of Love, Enid SPCA or VFW Post 2270 with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.

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