Donald R. Dodson Sr.

“Mr. D.” was a retired heavy equipment operator for Hahn Contracting and a member of Local 542 IUOE. A collector of militaria, antique tools, and furniture, he never met a primitive tool he didn’t like, or buy, possibly in every make or variation imaginable.

D.R. was a man who lived life on his own terms, preferring the independence of living alone, and caring little about what most people thought about shallow things like personal appearance. Despite his gruff demeanor, he often looked for the best in people and, sometimes to his detriment, tried to help them get back on their feet.

He was also frugal to a fault, the kind of almost zealous “make do” attitude that can only be borne from being a child of the Depression era and wartime rationing.

Two of the virtues he most strongly advocated were a thirst for knowledge and the importance of a good work ethic. A voracious reader, Dad would read anything from history books to newspapers a month or even years old, quipping “It's still news if I haven't heard about it yet!”

He took great joy in restoring his early 1800s home to a (mostly) period-correct museum-like state and sharing that knowledge (burden) with his children. One of his proudest accomplishments was passing on that strong work ethic and the nobility of doing things with your own two hands to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his brother, Phillip Dodson, his sons, Donald, Khristopher, and Jason Dodson, and adoptive daughter, Susan Taylor-Fahnestock.

He was predeceased by his Parents, his brother Gary, and his ex-wife Josephine.

Dad would be likely uncomfortable and grumble with all the fuss we are making but, he’d also feel touched, as well. A memorial will be held on September 7th, 11 am at the Lewisberry Firehall. (We didn’t spend too much, honest).