Leo Merle Dotter Sr.

Leo Merle Dotter, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024 at age 88 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Woods County in Freedom, Oklahoma to Daisy Minnie French and D. L. Dotter. He had a total of five sisters and three brothers.
In his youth, he was involved in farming and ranching in Oklahoma. He joined the army for a bit but then had a long career in the Air Force. After serving almost 30 years in the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Dotter became a resident of Arlington, Texas where he resided for many years and continued his career working as an American Airlines pilot instructor before retirement.
During his military years as a flight engineer, he completed multiple clandestine missions and was involved in the mission to rescue hostages being held in Iran, losing multiple friends and colleagues. He obtained many medals and commendations to include small arms expert, marksmanship ribbon, Antarctica service medal, combat readiness medal and national defense service medal to name a few.
Leo raised a bushel of super cool kids, and when that was over, he raised another set of non-biological "kids" that lovingly call him "Papa Leo" or "Pop Pop." Leo was preceded in death by his sons, Buddie O'Dell Dotter and Leo Merle Dotter, Jr.
He is survived by his two sons Floyd Lee Dotter (Michele) and Danny Richard Dotter and his daughter Christine Dotter Hamilton (Roger). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Berlin Dotter, Bryton Dotter Hamilton, David Dotter, Jonathan Dotter, Jackson Dotter, Wilson Dotter, Boone Hamilton, Doc Hamilton, and Gage Hamilton; and great-grandson: Vance Dotter along with a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Final services will be held on Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at 9:00 am at the Cimarron River Bridge and will follow with interment at the Freedom Cemetery.
A memorial service hosted by his dear friends will also be held on October 5th from 1-4 PM at the Moose Lodge 2522 E Park Row Dr, Arlington, TX 76010.