Harold Lynn Dodson

Harold Lynn Dodson of Woodway, Texas passed away on March 2, 2021, at the age of 81. A celebration of his life will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with burial following at Waco Memorial. Revs. Josh Vaughan and Ken James will officiate.  Visitation with the family will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Out of respect for the family, social distancing and face coverings will be required at all services.  The service will be live streamed on Grace Gardens facebook page. cabcwaco.org/specialstream or Grace Gardens Facebook page to stream services live.

Harold was born in Rosebud, Texas to Joseph and Lillie Dodson on January 6, 1940, and moved to Waco at the age of 5. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball for Turner Street Baptist Church and playing the trumpet in the Waco High School band. He graduated from Waco High School in 1957 and from Baylor in 1962. He later completed a masters degree in school administration. He had a 35-year career as an educator, first for Midway Junior High teaching math and for most of his career at LaVega ISD as an administrator and princi’pal’ at LaVega Intermediate, Primary, and Elementary schools. Harold delighted in his work and would greet ex-students from decades before by name.

Harold married Carolyn Owen in 1967, and they enjoyed 53 years together. They enjoyed traveling with friends, taking cruises, road trips to watch the Baylor Bears, and hosting holidays for his family. Harold was a natural jokester, always ready to share a pun, funny story, or prank. He was close to his mother, and found particular enjoyment in teasing her. His six sisters were an important part of his life, and he was never happier than spending time with them and their families. He never missed an opportunity to cheer his beloved Baylor Bears. Harold enjoyed helping others, building wheelchair ramps in Waco, and serving on over 30 mission trips rebuilding churches and homes. Many of these were in disaster areas and in states from Arizona to Tennessee to Michigan and the Rio Grande Valley. Harold was a devout member of Columbus Avenue Baptist, where he taught Sunday School and was a deacon for many years. Harold adored his children and particularly loved his role as “Pop” to his grandchildren. He loved spoiling his wife, children, and grandchildren, who were the loves of his life. Harold leaves behind many delightful memories with family and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lillie Dodson; brother, George Dodson and wife Linda; sisters Betty Dickens and husband Jack, Margie Good and husband George Robert, Carie Jean Buck and companion Marvin Jones, Merle Neumann and husband Leonard; brothers-in-law Robert Owen, Earl Pophin, David Baulos, Guy Lowry, and Jasper Thomason; and nephews Mark Rutledge, Henry Buck, and Frank Nevarez, Sr.

Harold is survived by his wife Carolyn; his daughter Christy Martinez and husband Rob of Waco; his son David and wife Emily of Cheshire, Oregon; his grandchildren Haven Schier, Elijah Dodson, Ella Martinez, and Ava Martinez; his sisters Kathryn Baulos and Patsy Pophin; his former brother-in-law Harold Rutledge; sister-in-law Patra Owen; and numerous nieces and nephews and greats.

Honorary pallbearers will be Glen DeLoach, James Winans, Claude Ervin, Harvey Toon, Bob
Pettigrew, Charles Hensley, Jim Barginer, and Don Hardcastle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.

Registry for Harold Dodson