Kenneth Dodson Sr.

WOLF LAKE, Ill. -- Kenneth L. Dodson Sr., 74, of Belleville, Ill., formerly of Wolf Lake, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at a daughter's home in Belleville.

He was born Nov. 11, 1938, in St. Louis, son of Billy John and Marie K. Troxell Dodson. He and Sharon K. Dodson were married Aug. 27, 1966.

Kenneth honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, receiving outstanding performance awards while serving in Korea.

He was employed by Illinois Department of Conservation at Holten State Park in East St. Louis and then at Union County Tree Nursery in Shawnee National Forest near Wolf Lake.

Kenneth was very active and enjoyed teaching everything he knew. He loved the outdoors, swimming, fishing, playing catch, and he also loved to play pool and listen to music. He was a cherished husband, father, grandpa, brother and uncle.

Survivors include five children, Marguerite (Terry) Sanders of Tulsa, Okla., Roberta Pinkerton-Byrd of Wolf Lake, Kenneth (Tina) Dodson Jr. of Scott City, Darline Smith of Tulsa, Julie (Shane) Joellenbeck of Belleville; two sisters, Faye (Arles) Lucas of Belleville, Ruthie (Dennis) Hulsey of Marion, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharon Dodson; parents; three brothers, Billy "Eddie", John W. and Steve M. Dodson; and a grandson, James David Storm Sanders.

Graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. March 30 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fairview Heights, Ill., with Dennis Hulsey officiating.

A celebration of his life will follow at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Mascoutah, Ill.

Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com.