William R. Dotson's Obituary
William R. Dotson passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
William (Bill) was born on September 26, 1932 in Tuscola, IL the son of William L. and Rohima B. Wood Dotson . He served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bill was a former Marine “Gunny” who later retired as a First Sergeant with the 106th Avn Bn ILARNG with a total of thirty years of service. He was a member of UAW local 751 as well as a longtime member of VFW Post 99, American Legion Post 105, DAV Chapter 17, Marine Corps League, Devil Dogs, Veterans of Under Age Military Service, and member of the Korean War Veterans. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for over thirty years, retiring in 1988 from quality Control Dept. He enjoyed flying air planes, building model airplanes, antique cars, playing guitar, playing his bagpipes, riding motorcycles, and was a licensed auctioneerd. He married Karen Sue Puckett Slunder on February 14, 1991 in Decatur. They shared twenty-five wonderful years together.
Surviving are his wife, Karen Dotson of Decatur; sons, Brian (Karen) Dotson of Rutherfordton, NC., Walter Dotson (Debra McCaslin) of MO; daughters, Kathy (Greg) Smith of Decatur, IL., Elizabeth Dotson of Las Vegas NV, Grandchildren Ruth Ann Chavez of Nevada, Katie Smith(Troy Frank) of Decatur, IL, Brandy Smith of Hammond IL, Lindly Leischner (Larry) of Cisco, IL; nine great- grandchildren; Stepchildren, Deena (Jeff Grider) Bowman of Argenta, IL; Jerry Slunder Jr. (Jet) Woodlands, TX Troy Slunder of Texas; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and first wife, Audrey L. Maze.
Funeral service to celebrate William’s (Bill’s) life will be 11a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, and conclude with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to God’s Shelter of Love, or Macon County Honor Guard.
The family of William R. Dotson is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for William Dotson: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FG9LWS44PNNDSRNG
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