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TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective |
Editorial Archives |
| Walter I. Dotson - A
man for all seasons |
"Homies" in great numbers turned out to celebrate the life of a beloved Homeboy Walter Irving Dotson on April 23, at the Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 3741 Colvin St, where the Rev. L. D Lee is the pastor. Family, friends, schoolmates and neighbors were inspired by the eulogy given by Lee at the funeral which tone was set by a crowd-pleasing rendition of "What More Can I Do?" sung by Robert Parker and the Blessed Hope Male Chorus. During the time of Expressions at his funeral, a young man came forward to and told of how Walter and his 12- steps Drug Program was the cause of him being drug free. Then he asked for others that Walter had helped to kick drugs out of their lives and about 12 young men stood. If Walter ever met an enemy in his 67-years of living with gusto, they became his friends as soon as they realized what a wonderful human being he was. The overflow crowd that congregated to celebrate Deacon Dotson's fulfilled and productive life validated the fact that he loved and was loved in return. Earl Dotson, Jr., Walter's oldest brother presented a video of golden moments in his brother's life and Pastor L.D. Lee eulogized him as a faithful and dedicated member of Blessed Hope. It was a fitting tribute to Walter who was born Oct. 16, 1938 to Collie and Earl Dotson, Sr. in Houston, Texas, inasmuch as he served on the Deacon Board, taught Sunday School, was the Assistant Superintendent of the Baptist Training Union an done of the sponsors for "Gents For Jesus," sang in the male chorus and served on the Pastor's Anniversary Council. Walter, a gregarious and always upbeat person, worshipped his stepmother Viola Dotson-Truscott, who raised his younger siblings after his father died. He graduated from Phillis Wheatley High in 1957 where he was a member of the Glee Club, ROTC and the Beau Brummell Club, that taught young men good grooming and gentlemanly decorum. Walter matriculated to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and then enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1959. He was honorably discharged in San Diego, California and shortly after married Faye Wyche, who gave him a daughter, Cheryl Dotson. After returning to Houston in 1965, he worked at Southern Hospital Supply, Southern Pacific Railroad and Cameron Iron Works. He retired from Shell Oil after 20 year and embarked on a second career. He attended HCC where he received an Associate Degree in Applied Science as a Mental Health Associate and became a counselor at John Lucas Center and Riverside Hospital. In 1994, he worked for the City of Houston Health Department as a senior investigator and retired a second time in December 2000. Walter leaves to mourn, "The Love of His Life," his wife of 34 years Bobbye Wagner Dotson; three daughters: Cheryl, Kollie and Quindria; one son, Rodney and a beloved son-in-law Christopher; five siblings: Earl Jr., Jeffery, Craig, Deborah and Vanessa; three grandsons: Terrance, Carl and LaMarco; one granddaughter, Katrina; six sisters-in-law: Jean, Barbara, Martha, Monique, Vivian and Sandra; six brothers-in-law: Ronnie, O. J. Jr., Gary, Kelvin, Melvin and Charles; three beloved cousins: Jeanette, Pearl and Peaches; beloved nieces: Michelle, Latoya, Ashley, Lisa, Pam and Nicky. Also three nephews: Reginald, Leslie, Lamar; two aunts, Emmaline and Diane; two special friends, Percy Ross and Bobby Parker; three spiritual sons: Ben White, Anthony Brown and Roy Beck. A host of friends who will always remember that Walter was an avid gardener, "Master Chef," "Modern Day Fred Astaire," avid reader, computer whiz, a classic classy dresser, photographer and all-around "Mr. Fix it" He will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Blessed Hope's Deacons were honored to actively bear Walter's remains, while honorary bearers were Christopher Payte, Earl Lester (Pinkie) Scott, Ben White, Anthony Brown, Jessie Steptoe and Gary Joe, Melvin, Kelvin & Ronald Wagner, along with his brothers Earl Jr. Craig and Jeffrey Dotson. Ross Mortuary saluted Walter with its traditional scenic Fifth Ward tour enroute to Veteran's National Cemetery where he was buried with full military honors. Well-done Walter Irving Dotson. |
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