Donald Dee Dotson

Donald was born on March 3, 1923, to Curtis and Della Mae (Drinen) Dotson in Las Animas, CO. He spent his childhood in Cedaredge, CO, and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction.

As a young man, Don was very proud of singing in the high school glee club and boys’ quartet. He loved music and played clarinet in the band and at church.

When the war broke out, Donald wanted to enlist, but his vision was poor, keeping him home. He dropped out of college to work at Lockheed Aircraft to help with the war effort.

He married his sweetheart, Twylah Coder, in Los Angeles, CA on June 8, 1944. He and Twylah lived in California until the war ended. He spent most of his life in Colorado, and he has been a resident of Grand Junction for 44 years.

Donald was dedicated to the grocery business for many years. After retiring, he went to work for Homestyle Bakery, where he stayed for 23 years. It was the perfect job to help satisfy his sweet-tooth!

Donald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved nothing more than sharing his love of fishing on Grand Mesa with everyone.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Twylah. Donald is survived by his daughters, Barbara Reese of St. Louis, Missouri, Marlene Ashton of Markleville, Indiana, Carol White of Denver, Colorado, Debbie Wertz and Amy Gomez, both of Grand Junction, 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Donald will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Martin Mortuary 5 pm - 8 pm. A funeral service is scheduled on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at the Redlands Community Church at 10:00 am with Pastor Joe Gross officiating. Burial at Grand Junction Memorial Gardens will follow the funeral service.

Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest Hospice

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.