Donald Dodd, 86

Donald C. Dodd, age  86, of Constantine, passed away Thursday August 13, 2009 at the Three Rivers Health Hospital. He was born in Benton Harbor, MI on December 15, 1922,  a son of  Archie G.  and Lena Mae (Allkins) Dodd.  Don graduated from Constantine High School in 1940, where he played on the first undefeated and unscored upon football team. Don was recently inducted into the Constantine Hall of Fame and also honored as citizen of the year. He retired as Lt. Commander Aviation Ordinance in the US Navy in 1971after 30 years of service. Don saw tours of duty in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. He served on the USS Valley Forge and USS Oriskany CVA34 Aircraft Carriers as an Ordinance Officer.   On July 17, 1982 he married Dorothy Cripe in White Pigeon. She preceded him in death February 11, 1993. On January 2, 1994 he marrried Vera Lucille (Cripe) Ross.                                 
Don was a member of the Eastern Star Mid-Pacific #10, The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, the Elienai, in Honolulu, HI, and the Constantine Arthur E. Stears American Legion Stears Post  #223. He was also a member and past Worshipful Master of Constantine Siloam Lodge # 35 Free and Accepted Masons.
Surviving are his wife Vera Dodd,  son Glen (Dorene) Dodd of Seattle, WA, several grand and great grandchildren, sister  June (Oscar) Grant and family of White Pigeon, brother  Robert (Phyllis) Dodd and family of Constantine, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Dodd.
Relatives and friends will be received Sunday August 16 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, where Masonic Services will be held Sunday at 7 pm. Religious Services will be held at 11am  Monday Aug. 17 at the Trinity Missionary Church in Constantine, with Pastor Alan Lickfeldt officiating.  Interment will be in the Constantine Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion or Masonic Lodge. On-line messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.