D. Keith Dodson

D. Keith Dodson was born on the 2nd of November 1943, in Greenville, Texas to Louise Amos Dodson and Durwood Randolph Dodson, and passed peacefully away surrounded by family at his home in Houston on Saturday, the 20th of January 2024. He was 80 years of age.

Keith's early years were spent in Honey Grove, Texas, where his father served as the superintendent of schools. He later pursued his education at his beloved University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. In 1966, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Route to Business and later continued his academic journey, earning a postgraduate degree in business from the University of Houston.

Throughout his career, Keith dedicated nearly 57 years to the world of construction and engineering. He traveled extensively, managing projects on nearly every continent. He began his career at Brown and Root in Houston and later held leadership roles at John Brown E&C, MW Kellogg, in both Houston and London, Dresser, and Westney Consulting Group, ending his professional career as a Venture Leader at McKinsey & Co.

Keith was also an active member of the engineering community. He served on the Engineering Foundation Advisory Council at the University of Texas at Austin, including a term as Chairman. He also served on the Board of the Construction Industry Institute including a term as Chairman. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Engineering and Constructing Contractors Association and was a senior member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He contributed to the Greater Houston Partnership's World Trade Division as a member of the board of directors.

A fifth generation Texan, he was deeply connected to his roots, spending cherished moments at "The Dodson Farm," a property he developed on land his family acquired in 1852 when they left Tennessee for Texas. As an avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing. He kept the lake at the farm stocked with bass and enjoyed his time catching them with his children and grandchildren. He also loved wade fishing in Matagorda Bay with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Durwood Dodson. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Johnette Foster Dodson; his children, son Marshall Dodson and his wife Aimee; and their children, Bailey Dodson and her fiancée Kingsley Smith, Barrett Dodson, and Benjamin Dodson, and daughter Chandos Dodson Epley and her husband Ike Epley, and their children, John Isaac, Jr. and Ila Keith Epley. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Dodson and his wife Anne; nephew, Bennett Dodson; niece, Annie Dodson; as well as sister-in-law, Carolyn Anderson and her husband Tom Anderson. Keith's trusty and loyal Weimaraner companion, Major, was a constant presence by his side.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 3rd of February, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Keith and Johnette have been members for many years. The Rev. Cliff Ritter will officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Keith’s name be directed to the reVision Program at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Attn: Finance Department, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX, 77027, with "reVision" on the memo line of your check.

Keith's legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to his profession, his love for his family, and his passion for the outdoors will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of engineering and construction, as well as a host of cherished memories with his loved ones.

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