Orville Lee Dodson, 84, of Onaga, KS, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at Onaga Health and Rehab. He was born February 11, 1937 at Christ Hospital in Topeka, KS, the son of Carl and Evelyn (Buehler) Dodson.

Orville earned his Bachelors Degree at Emporia State University and his Master Degree at Pittsburg State University. He was a high school teacher for over 38 years; teaching 21 years in Onaga and 17 years in St. Marys. Orville had a passion for coaching as well. Orville coached the Onaga boys basketball team. He also coached the St. Mary’s boys basketball team and the St. Mary’s girls softball team where he coached the girls to a state title in 1997. After Orville’s retirement in 1997, he coached the Onaga girls basketball team for three years and then officially retired. Orville enjoyed wood working so much that he custom built cabinets for families and he even built a few houses including his own. Most of all, Orville was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, teacher, neighbor and friend. He will be dearly missed!

Orville married Melba Wallisch on June 2, 1957 in Denison, KS. They celebrated over 64 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Melba of the home; 2 sons, Lyndall Dodson (Karen) of Kearney, MO and Daryl Dodson (Gina) of Liberal, MO; brother, Lemoyne Dodson (Arlene) of Denison, KS; 5 grandchildren, Dr. Christopher R. Dodson (Sarah), Stephen Dodson, Katie Smith, Mandy Short (Zac) and Kori Dodson and 3 great-grandchildren, Charles Dodson, Tanner Short and Andrew Short.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Denison Cemetery. Orville will lie in state beginning Wednesday at 8 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be given to the Onaga Senior Center or to the Onaga Historical Museum c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.