Paul E. “Gene” Dotson, 80, of rural DeGraff, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.
Gene was born in McGuffey, Ohio, on January 31, 1942, to the late Austin L. and Bernice (Bailey) Dotson. He was also preceded in death by a daughter Tricia Cramer; his children’s mother Deanna S. Dotson; and siblings: Edythe Prater, Essie Legg, Ellaree Stettler, Bo Dotson, Earnie Dotson, Midge Frey, Ted Dotson, and Edsel Dotson.
Gene is survived by children: Brad (Siobhan) Dotson of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Lori (Carl) Hale of West Liberty; 6 grandchildren: Sean Dotson, Janet Dotson, Cian Dotson, Neil (Michelle) Rausch, Tarin Reese, and Jillian (Austin) Westerman; several great-grandchildren; siblings: Mae Weydert of Florida, Edward (Kaye) Dotson of Marysville, Elaine (Max) Mohler of Springfield, Larry (Barb) Dotson of Indian Lake, Alvie (Elaine) Dotson of Florida, Sue (Butch) Bible of Bellefontaine, Gary (Regina) Dotson of West Mansfield, and Bob (Louisa) Dotson of Zanesfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Gene worked for Rockwell International in Marysville and Newark, before retiring in 2002. He was a longtime member of the Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Club, farmed most of his life, and enjoyed everything mechanical. Gene had also been a flight instructor. An all-around good neighbor, Gene enjoyed helping the local Amish community as a driver, delivered grain, and performed welding tasks.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 12, from 3 to 6pm at the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes St. DeGraff. A graveside service will be Friday, January 13, at 11 a.m. at Fairview McDonald Cemetery, Hardin County, with Brad Cramer officiating (service will be held in township building across the street from cemetery, 5302 St Rt 67, Kenton).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Association, c/o Shirley Karn, Treasurer, 8123 E. 200 St., Portland, IN 47371.
Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, DeGraff, is honored to serve the Dotson family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com
