Edsel Dotson
Edsel Dotson, 79 of near Magnetic Springs, died Saturday, October 31, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family due to heart complications related to childhood rheumatic fever.
Born October 26, 1936 in Lewistown, Ohio to the late Austin and Bernice (Bailey) Dotson and a graduate of Byhalia High School, Edsel was an avid car man. His uncanny ability to understand mechanics drew him, at a young age, to drag racing. He loved his 1956 Plymouth and 1950’s Henry J. In high school he began his automotive repair career with Herb Dill in York Center, eventually opening his own business, Dotson’s Garage, in 1964. The Magnetic Springs area business recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary with Edsel’s son, Kevin, now at the helm.
Edsel had a deeply seeded interest in antique cars, especially Packards. He and wife, Pattsy, attended shows throughout the United States and won many awards over the years with his 1955 Packard 400. An active member of the Buckeye Packard Club for over three decades, Edsel served as director for two of those years. People in various states, even England and New Zealand, consulted him for mechanical guidance on their antique cars. He became known as an expert.
A member of the Leesburg Township Volunteer Fire Dept. for 29 years, Edsel served as fire chief for 17 of those. He was a member of Pharisburg United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving in various capacities during that time.
A part-time farmer in his early married years and a gardener for many years, Edsel was also an avid tractor puller and restorer of antique tractors. A love for racing, especially NASCAR, occupied his time as did following the growth and activities of his grandchildren and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pattsy (Trapp) whom he married on August 6, 1961 in Raymond, and two children, Kevin (Kathleen) Dotson of near Magnetic Springs and Kristi (Tony) Woods of Collinsville, OK. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Collin & Katie Dotson and Joel, Rebekah, & Caleb Woods, as well as eleven siblings: Elmo “Bo” (Darlene) Dotson of Georgia, Edmund “Ted” (Roxie) Dotson of Texas, Ethel “Mae” Weydert of Florida, Edward (Kay) Dotson of Marysville, Elaine (Max) Mohler of Marysville, Gene Dotson of DeGraff, Larry (Barb) Dotson of Bellefontaine, Alva (Elaine) Dotson of Florida, Evelyn “Sue” (Butch) Bible of Florida, Gary (Regina) Dotson of West Mansfield, and Robert (Louisa) Dotson of Zanesfield, and over fifty nieces and nephews.
Preceeding him in death are his two infant children, Rodney and Tami, half sisters Edyth, Essie, and Ellaree, sister Midge, and a brother, Earnie.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Pharisburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Judy Cramer officiating. Burial will follow in Hopewell Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3 to 7 PM at Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood.
Memorial gifts made can be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214, Leesburg Township Volunteer Fireman’s Association, c/o Jim Hall, 12985 St. Rt. 347, Marysville, OH 43040, or Pharisburg United Methodist Church, c/o Kathy Custer, 13860 St. Rt. 347, Marysville, OH 43040-9752.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home