Kenneth A. Dodds

Kenneth Alvin Dodds, 77, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Ransom Memorial Hospital. Family will meet with friends 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, with funeral services following at 2:00 P.M. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Kenneth was born Saturday, December 9, 1939, in Greenleaf, Kansas, to William and Alice (Rose) Dodds. Kenneth resided in Ottawa, Kansas, moving to Claremore, Oklahoma for 10 years, returning to Ottawa in 1989. He was united in marriage with Sharen M. Cragg November 10, 1961. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two daughters, Angel Powell of Ottawa and Jennifer McNeill of Topeka; three grandchildren, Taelor Dodds, Rachel McNeill, and Jacob McNeill; great grandson Kai; eight siblings, Joyce Jones of Kincaid, Bonnie Gandy of Brennan, Texas, Linda Pruitt of Temple, Texas, Bud Dodds of Rockdale, Texas, Tom Dodds of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Melvin Dodds of Edgerton, Nedra Mantilla of Houston, Texas, and Sandra Davis of Macdona, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary DeVore and Karen Dodds; infant sister, Rosalie Dodds; and infant brother, William Dodds. Kenneth worked several jobs throughout his life including driving for Pepsi Cola, hauling milk for Lee Mace, and working at Parmelee in Ottawa. He worked as an iron worker for Building Erection Services in Kansas City, Missouri for 28 years, starting out as an apprentice welder and worked his way up to foreman. Kenneth and Sharen built, owned and operated Dodds Memorials Monument business from 1989 to present. He was an active member of Monument Builders of North America and a member and past president of Mid-America Monument Builders Association He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965. Kenneth was a driver for an Army colonel. He was deployed for one year in Korea. Kenneth was a member of the Ottawa Lodge 18, A.F. & A.M., McKinley Lodge 41, A.F. & A.M. of Pomona, Scottish Rite Consistory, and Shrine Club both of Lawrence. He was also a member of the Abdallah Shrine Temple of Kansas City. Kenneth worked hard all of his life. He was never one to sit still. He was a kind, compassionate man who would give you the shirt off of his back. We believe a lot of folks would consider him to be “the troublemaker, you can ask any of his coffee buddies. Kenneth enjoyed drinking coffee with his buddies. He was recognized by the Ottawa High School Band Program for years of service. He coached and refereed soccer, in Oklahoma while both of his girls were in school. At one time, Kenneth owned his own aircraft and loved to fly. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa High School Band Department c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Kenneth’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com