Wayne Dodson, of Lake Kiowa, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Pecan Tree Healthcare Center in Gainesville, Texas.  He was 89 years old.

The son of Verl and Bethel (Salmon) Dodson was born on October 20, 1935 in Bass, Arkansas.

Wayne graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1953 and immediately began working at Oberman’s Manufacturing. When Levi Strauss took over the company in 1963, Wayne remained with the business, steadily climbing the ranks to Southwest Regional Production Manager. In 1969, he ventured out on his own, founding Pant’s West, a business he successfully owned and operated until 1979. That same year, Wayne launched another thriving enterprise, Metros Mowers and Maintenance Service, in Farmersville, Texas.

In 1984, Wayne married Ruth Ann Miller and lived in Farmersville until 1992 when they bought a 600-acre ranch in Whitesboro, Texas. They worked and enjoyed ranch life and retired in 2010. They enjoyed retirement at the ranch till 2018 when they sold and moved to Lake Kiowa, Texas.

Wayne proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves, enlisting in 1958 and being called to active duty in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He became a member of the Methodist Church in 1985, remaining a dedicated member until his passing.  Wayne was also a devoted member of Lion’s Club International working through them serving his community.

In his leisure time, Wayne enjoyed fishing, race cars, and coin collecting. He was always up for a card game with family and friends. He loved to entertain and loved to tell stories, amusing many friends, and cherishing the moments spent with loved ones.

Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering love for his family, and the many friendships he forged throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister-in-law, Rowena Coy; and by the mother of his children, Ruth (Eddings) Dodson.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Dodson; two sons, Garry (Paula Vanderlaan) Dodson and Kelly (Rita) Dodson; three grandchildren, Crystal (Justin) Applegate, Jordan Dodson and Jacob Dodson; two great grandchildren, Hannah and Noah Applegate; one sister, Willa Mae Barnes and her children, Roger (Carlene) Morris and Diana (Steve) Lesh; one aunt, Pat Breath; one sister-in-law, Joan Cox; two nieces and their families, Krista and Jason Trent and their children, Tayton Trent (Trevor) and Taige (Eli) Travis and their two sons, Hud and Walon, and Lori and Jon Fillmore and their children, Avery and Hayden; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM both on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.  Dale Tennison will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Leaf Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Garry, Kelly, Jordan and Jacob Dodson, Jason Trent, and Jon Fillmore.  Honorary pallbearers include Roger Morris, Jack Dodson, and David Dodson.

Condolences may be left online at www.coffmanfh.com