Gilbert I. Dodds

Gilbert I. Dodds, 80, of New Philadelphia, died on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at Union Hospital.Gilbert, who was a member of the First Christian Church, was born on July 3, 1924 in Jewett, Ohio to the late Gilbert J. and Marie (Irey) Dodds.He was a graduate of Jewett High School. Gilbert was employed at Gradall for over 30 years. He was a member of the Master Builders Class. Gilbert was also an avid golfer and he enjoyed spending the winters in Florida. Gilbert also enjoyed spending time with his family.Gilbert was a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II. He began his military training in Alabama. He served in Africa, Mt. Casino, Anzio Beach and Rome, Italy. His unit landed in southern France and fought their way north through Montmolaur to Nancy, France. Gilbert was wounded during his service and was sent to Crile Army Hospital. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant after receiving numerous medals including the Purple Heart.He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Leona Slates Dodds, whom he married on November 8, 1957. Also surviving are one son, Walter Eugene Dodds of Arizona and one daughter, Mickey (Kevin) Dodds Hamsher of Dover, One stepson, James H. (Sydney) Shaffer of Arizona and one stepdaughter, C. Jane (Mark) Shaffer Maun of Jeromesville, Ohio. Grandchildren; Ronald W. Shaffer, Tracy Shaffer, Carrie Maun-Smith, Krestopher Menges, Dr. Kimberly Maun and D. Elizabeth Menges Schilling and five great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Frieda Patterson and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Maxwell Dodds, two stepsons, Ronald D. Shaffer and Edward M. Shaffer and two brothers, Jay Dodds and John Dodds.Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2004 from 4-7PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Gilbert’s life will be held on Monday, August 30, 2004 at 11:00AM at the First Christian Church with Rev. Jim Borton officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately following the committal service where family and friends are invited to attend.The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 104 Third Street, NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.