Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
(News Article) It wasn't unusual for Kurt Dotson to work seven days a week and not think a thing of it. He was secretary-treasurer of his family's construction firm, the Dotson Co. of Whitehouse, and wanted to make sure his family and employees would have work.
He died Wednesday at his Swanton-area home. He was 58.
"He just slipped away from us," said Mr. Dotson's son, Donald, who did not provide a cause of death.
Mr. Dotson was born May 16, 1956, and grew up in Whitehouse, the youngest of six children born to Donald and Ethel Dotson.
He attended Anthony Wayne High School, where he wrestled as a junior and, as a senior, played football.
Playing defense didn't stop him from once scoring a touchdown, his son said.
That year, 1973, the Anthony Wayne football team won the Northern Lakes League championship.
Mr. Dotson graduated in 1974.
He learned "everything there was to know about construction" from his father, a carpenter, and, in 1985, with other family members, turned the skills into the Dotson Co., which recently employed about 75.
The firm specializes in industrial and commercial buildings.
"He lived, ate, and breathed that business," said Rodd Dotson, 63, of Whitehouse, one of Mr. Dotson's brothers.
Mr. Dotson took short lunch breaks and rarely a vacation, his son said.
But he was a sports fan and often allowed short breaks at work to watch a football game.
Although he would watch any team, his allegiances were to the Detroit Tigers and Lions.
He enjoyed pheasant hunting and perch fishing.
Last year, his youngest grandson, Cash, now 6, caught his first fish, a largemouth bass, in the pond behind Mr. Dotson's home.
"The bobber disappeared, and he started reeling like a natural - just like he knew what he was doing," Mr. Dotson told Matt Markey, The Blade's outdoors editor, in June.
"And when that fish came up out of the water, he was absolutely thrilled. There is nothing quite like that look on a little kid's face when they bring in a fish."
His son described his father as "the best guy in the world. ... He was the best person you would ever meet."
Donald and Rodd Dotson both emphasized Mr. Dotson's willingness and eagerness to aid others.
He was a Boy Scout leader, coached Little League, and served on the Whitehouse planning commission as a certified house inspector.
"He gave back to his community," Donald Dotson said. "He basically did everything he could for everyone in all aspects of everything."
Rodd Dotson said his brother learned to give from their parents, who were "constantly giving of themselves before others."
"Kurt just learned from them to help people and love people and to help those who were downtrodden," Rodd Dotson said.
Surviving are his longtime partner, Cheryl Dickerson; son, Donald; brothers, Gary, Mark, Rodd, and Todd; sister, Hope Woods, and two grandsons.
Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m. today in Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home, Whitehouse. Services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Zion United Methodist Church, Whitehouse.
The family suggests tributes to the Cherry Street Mission, American Heart Association, Fulfilling Homes, or Luther Home of Mercy.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Taylor Dungjen at [email protected], or 419-724-6054, or on Twitter @taylordungjen.
7 Entries
So sorry to hear about Kurt. I always enjoyed speaking with him when I came out to do the outside accounting work.
Dan North
May 27, 2014
I grew up with Kurt when we were young. Lived a few houses down and we would spend a lot of time playing around town. Kurt even worked as a kid with a paper route and he would let me help him and even paid me some money. First kinda job I guess I ever had. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Randy Heilman
May 27, 2014
Sorry to loose Kurt . Good friend for the last 30 years,woh was allways willing to add a helpin hand.i will miss the many conversations. God Bles the whole Dotson faimly, From the Art Spackey faimly.
May 27, 2014
Our love and prayers for all. God bless. Love, The Ritenour family
Carole Ritenour
May 27, 2014
Gary: We are so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Lifting your family in prayer during this time.
Cindy and Les Yost
May 26, 2014
We understand from our family that he was a great person,wish we had known him...so sorry for the loss.
Harold & Kay Keesee
May 25, 2014
Kurt was the man who always gave someone a chance, and the benefit of the doubt. He was a father figure to so many. I'm sure he didn't know just how many people looked up to him and loved him. He will be greatly missed! Hang in there Don, Donny and family, I'm sure Kurt will still be watching over you each and every day! Xoxoxo
Brian & Julie LaPoint
May 25, 2014
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Dunn Funeral Home - Bowling Green408 West Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more