Wayne Eugene Dotson

Gene was born April 30, 1938, to

F. Wayne and Margaret (Bemis) Dotson in Elma, WA. He spent his childhood in Raymond graduating as Valedictorian from Valley High School in 1956. Gene developed a strong work ethic early in life as he learned to build, improvise, and became convinced that he could learn anything he set his mind to do. This determination and perseverance was displayed throughout his life.

Later Gene lived in Chehalis where he was a radioman for the Washington State Patrol for five years. He also started the Twin City Merchant Patrol in Chehalis-Centralia. He had many stories to relate about encounters with people, life-sized cutouts, and myna birds as he made sure store lights were turned on and doors were locked in the businesses he patrolled. He left the WSP to attend Pacific Lutheran University where he earned a BA in Education in 1967. In 1973 he received a MA in School Administration and in 1980 a BA in Theology.

Wayne spent many years as a 7th grade teacher and counselor at both Bethel Junior High School and Spanaway Junior High School. His enthusiasm for life and sense of humor in the classroom made him a favorite teacher to many. He might quietly wiggle his ears at a distracted student while others were diligently working allowing the entire class to have a few minutes of laughter before returning to work. His jokes and one-liners became dinnertime entertainment for many families. He was renowned for his classic “purple gorilla” joke that each class had to wait the entire year to hear.

Gene married Anita Gerberding, the love of his life, on June 24, 1966, in Chehalis. They shared 52 wonderful years together. For many years their anniversary gift to each other was for each to give a child born with a cleft palate a new smile through surgery provided by The Smile Train.

In 1981, God spoke to Gene’s and Anita’s hearts about the need for a high quality alternative to public education with a Christ-centered curriculum. As a result of this vision they entered into the special ministry of Christian education. Together they founded and built New Hope Christian School in Graham which opened in 1982 after much prayer and sweat labor. Over the years Gene generously gave of his time, energy, and talents in constructing buildings, doing electrical work, installing plumbing fixtures, pouring concrete, hanging sheetrock, painting, and landscaping. As school administrator and principal, he devoted his life to the training and nurturing of children to have a solid academic basis built on a spiritual foundation of knowing Jesus as Savior and living for Him.

Gene had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He loved hunting (always with beef jerky, red licorice, and apple slices to munch on!), fishing, boating, and camping trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. Yearly trips to Wallowa Lake, Oregon, with David were a highlight. His trip to Israel greatly impacted his life as the experience of walking where Jesus walked and seeing places spoken of in the Bible made the Bible come alive in a richer and more meaningful way. Gene also enjoyed landscaping, gardening, planting fruit trees, and growing roses. He enjoyed building things and always had some project he was working on.

Gene leaves his love and helpmate, his wife Anita and his beloved grandson David of the home. Also surviving are his children: Gene (Peggy) Dotson, Sharyl (Donn) Mee, Lynnea (Randy) Wilson, and Krista Hughes; grandchildren: Alan, Stephanie, Ryan, Amanda, Sarah, Trina, David, and Michael; 7 great-grandchildren; Sister Judy Johnson; Sister-in-law Carol Johnson; Brother-in-law Rex Gerberding; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

Gene’s heart broke for the hungry, the homeless, single mothers, those without clean water to drink, those who were impoverished in this country and around the world. He supported ministries that helped meet these physical needs as well as spiritual needs.

Gene spent his life seeking and trying to follow God’s direction and will for his life. He once wrote, “I do know that throughout my life I have put my trust in God and He has been faithful. He has comforted when needed, has led when needed, has changed situations when needed, and has given answers when needed. In these days of uncertainty if you cannot say that the God of the Bible is your God, I urge you to bend your knee and ask Christ into your life. I know he will meet you where you are.” Gene’s prayer would be that his life or death would in some way be used by God to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so they, too, would gain eternal life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. View Nazarene Church, 940 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.

Please bring a favorite memory of Gene to share with us either written or spoken.