Thomas Dodson Thomas Dodson, 80, Dahlgren, passed away 11:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at his residence. Mr. Dodson joined the Illinois State Police in 1959 and served 25 years, retiring in 1984 from District 19 at Carmi. He was born April 8, 1929, in Little Rock, Ark., to John Thomas and Eva (McElhaney) Dodson. Thomas married Beverly Ann Dawson on Aug. 1, 1954, in West Frankfort, and she survives. His funeral was Saturday at Harre Funeral Home, Dahlgren, with deacon Warren Fitch officiating. Burial was at Denning Cemetery, West Frankfort, with graveside military rites accorded by American Legion Post 106 of McLeansboro. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beverly Dodson of Dahlgren; two sons, Steven Dodson and wife Alberta of Dahlgren and Larry Dodson and fiancee Diane Bernard of Austin, Texas; one daughter, Karen Cox and husband Duane of Mt. Vernon; three grandsons, Morgan Thomas Dodson and wife Kristie of Dahlgren, Charles Thomas Cox of Forrest City, Ark., and Matthew Thomas Dodson of Phoenix, Ariz.; two granddaughters, Megan Mickel Woodrow and husband Jeremy of Springerton and Jennifer Leigh Dodson of Phoenix, Ariz.; four great-grandchildren, Holden Thomas Dodson, Kaleigh Ann Dodson, Rylee Laine Woodrow and Phoebe Leeann. Thomas loved to travel and ride his motorcycle. He loved to hunt and fish, tinker on things and be with his grandkids. He served in both the U.S. Navy and the National Guard during World War II, serving aboard the USS Midway and the USS Roosevelt. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister and one great-granddaughter, Haleigh Jo Dodson. Memorials may be made to Hamilton Memorial Hospital Foundation and will be accepted at Harre Funeral Home. Harre Funeral Home, Dahlgren, was in charge of arrangements.