Donald Eldon Dody, Newton, passed away Nov. 10, 2020, at the age of 90. He was born October 20, 1930 in Ottawa, Kan. to Arch and Helen Dody. He went to grade school in Bums, Kan., and country school in Antelope, Kan., later graduating from Bucklin High School in 1948. He married Betty Jeanne Hoffman August 6, 1950, at the First United Methodist Church in Bucklin, Kan.
Following the start of the Korean War, he joined the Navy on Jan. 2, 1951. He completed basic training in San Diego, Calif. He was then stationed on North Island Naval Air Station before being sent overseas to Korea with Attack Squadron VA1 15 where he served with his squadron aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Philippines Sea and the aircraft carrier, the USS Kearsarge. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Nov. 24, 1954. He then served his country an additional 18 years in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves. In 1956, he joined the Kansas Highway Patrol where he worked in law enforcement for 26 years. He was first stationed in El Dorado, and subsequently, Newton. He retired from the KHP in 1982.
Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newton. He belonged to the Newton Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rites, the Median Shrine Temple in Wichita, and the Harvey County Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Kansas State Troopers Association, the Legion of Honor, the American Legion and the V.F.W.
Surviving family members include his wife Betty of the home (to whom he was married for 70 years) son Terry Dody and his wife Debra Scott of Manhattan, Kan., two daughters, Susan and husband Mark Hutton of Wichita, Judy Carnes and husband Dean Long of Overland Park, and former daughter-in-law Ginger Dody, Emporia. He is survived by sisters Jean Swanson of Newton, Virginia (Suzie) Bemhardt of McPherson and brother Keith Dody and wife Doris of Newton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jason Dody and family, Aron Dody and family, Thomas Hutton, Francesca Hutton, Isabella Hutton, William Hutton, Alexandria Carnes and Madelyn Carnes, as well as seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by siblings Dorothy Yost of Galva, James Dody of Newton, Robert Dody of Ft. Collins, Col., Rosemary Garrard of Lincolnville, and great-grandson Lawson Dody.
Due to COVID-19 precautions a private family graveside committal service with Navy Honors will be held in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Jo Mead of University United Methodist Church in Wichita officiating.
Memorials in Don’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY
Two times a week use to have Coffee with Don, an Dave Nickols in Newton. I ask Don once what was ur worst experience has a Trooper??? His reply was to direct traffic in Peabody, Ks. on 4th Of July, after the Fireworks!!!! This was in the 60’s when it was really popular. He said those people did not know how too drive!!! RIP Jim Baker Peabody.
Prayers to you Judy and your family.
Big D. Our hunting experience and working with you will always bring fond memories. R.I.P. my friend.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Jerry and Jane Adams
R.I.P. my friend and mentor. You will be missed by your family and many many friends.
It was a pleasure to get to know Don over the last 20 years. I always enjoyed listening to his stories and seeing him at all the KHP gatherings.
A friend & mentor to all. My condolences to fellow academy classmate Terry & Don’s family.
His KHP Family will miss Don greatly. Godspeed Don.
K-398
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Dody family. I had the distinct pleasure of knowing him during my career with the Patrol. He was a legend when it came to impacting so many lives within the KHP as well as the community he served. Don was a dedicated servant for our country and the State of Kansas. Truly, he and his multitude of stories will be missed. May he rest in peace. God Bless
Don will be deeply missed. I am a better person to had Don in my life. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Back in 1966, 67, we took coffee breaks at Moundridge when Don was stationed at Newton and I was at McPherson. Enjoyed hearing his stories. Will miss seeing him at our KHP reunions. Rest in Peace.
My love, prayers, condolences to the whole family. I had the honor and pleasure of being cared for by Mrs. Dody as a child, and working with her as an adult. I have never forgotten her love, kindness, care throughout the years. Rest Easy Mr. Dody.
So very sorry for your loss of Don. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hey was always a favorite of mine so sorry Betty for your loss you are in my thoughts and prayers glad I got to take care of him
I was one of Betty’s daycare kids back in the 70’s. Don would be dressed in his uniform going to or coming from work and I remember he seemed just huge and scary but he wasn’t at all. He would always smile and talk softly to us. Sending my deepest condolences to Betty and the family.