Clyde "Bud" Dodson

Clyde “Bud” Dodson, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Bud was the first baby born in Fort Worth, Texas on January 1, 1933 to Clyde and Bernice Gallaway Dodson during the Great Depression. He graduated from Polytechnic High School, Tarrant County College, and attended Texas Wesleyan College.  Bud was a second baseman for the Parrots and lettered for two years.  He also played competitive fast pitch softball for “Major City Leagues" in Fort Worth, and Bell Helicopter.  He married the love of his life, Lydia “Lou” Dodson in 1966 and had a Christ-Centered marriage for 48 years.  He enjoyed a 41 year career as an Analyst Engineer at Bell Helicopter. 

Serving his church and community were priorities in his life. Bud was a Master Mason, member of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry, and the Shriners Moslah Temple in Fort Worth. He was a deacon and morning greeter at First Baptist Church, and together, he and “teacher” Lou directed and taught Sunday School, VBS, and Young Married Class,  In 1984, a new church “broke ground” and he and Lou were on the leadership transition team for the new Norwood location.  He served on the Hurst Park and Recreation Board, assisted with Sports Complex design, and other new sport developments in the city.  After retirement, he became a volunteer at HEB Hospital, Marshall at golf courses, and served on the Hurst Zoning Board of Adjustment.   Along with Lou, they assisted students in reading and math at three different elementary schools. The last 10 years, Bud and friends volunteered at CornerStone Network Assistance (Baptist Association).  

He was an Avid sports fan, historian, statistician, and kept all his friends and family updated on numerous team scores.  Attending high school and college football games, along with pro baseball games were highlighted favorite pastimes.  During football season, Bud was wearing purple and cheering for his beloved TCU Horned Frogs!  Although he will be missed by all who were blessed to know him, he is now with “His Maker”, wife, and numerous family and friends. His benevolence was evident with many organizations, family, friends, and neighbors, and his motto was “giving of your free time is a good thing, and you may be the only Jesus they see”.

Survivors:  Two children, three grandchildren, one great grandchild, one step-daughter, and other loving family members.

A private family graveside service will be held January 14, 2021 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, Colleyville.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:  Hurst Parks and Recreation, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, First Baptist Church, Hurst Missions