Gary Lee Dodson, 63, loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away early Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Springfield Memorial Hospital due to complications from the coronavirus and other health issues. Youngest of three children, Gary was born on February 13, 1957 to the parents of Byron and Wanda (Hill) Dodson of Owaneco, IL. Gary spent most of his life in Owaneco, spending his time with his family and daughter’s BreAnne (True) and Ashley (May), camping and fishing at Lake Taylorville, listening to rock and roll on his record player, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and reminiscing at the annual family reunions. Gary was a member of the Owaneco United Methodist Church. When Gary was younger, he was a Cub Scout, delivered newspapers for the Breeze Courier, and enjoyed participating in sports. As a young adult, Gary liked riding his motorcycle, going to lake parties, and hanging out with his friends. Gary started working for Longden’s Welding as a welder in high school and later worked in the press room at the Breeze Courier, before becoming disabled. In 1978, he married Pamela Longden of Owaneco. Together, they had two daughters, BreAnne (Jeremiah) True and Ashley (Aaron) May, both of Taylorville. Gary is the proud Grandfather of six; Halle, Payton, Jackson, and Wyatt True and Ava Zeitler and Brooks May. He was always so excited to see his grandchildren dressed up in their Halloween costumes waiting for their own family sized bag of candy he was giving out. There wasn’t a time that he wasn’t making you laugh with tears from his contagious snorting cackle with a silly joke or acting mischievous. He is survived by his brother, Byron David Dodson of Owaneco, his daughters; BreAnne (Jeremiah) True and Ashley (Aaron) May, his grandchildren; Halle, Payton, Jackson and Wyatt True and Ava Zeitler and Brooks May, all of Taylorville, in addition to several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Wanda Dodson and his sister, Shirley (Dodson) Best. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all those who gave their comfort and support and reached out with kind words, warm gestures, and constant prayers. You have our eternal gratitude. 

The funeral service for Gary will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at McClure Funeral Home with Rev. Gerald McPhillips officiating.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Burial will be in the Owaneco Cemetery.  CDC health guidelines will be followed including social distancing and the use of masks.  Memorial donations may be made to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Gary, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.