I recently received a note from Roger Dotson's grandson informing me of his death. I immediately emailed Joe Wilder as I was sure that he had mentioned Roger to me. Once I confirmed that I asked Joe to donate his Kagnew sponsorship to Roger's family. Here is Joe's response:

Yes, Roger was the Odd Fellow I was talking about. I think I told you, but when I came back from St. Pete in '99 (Kagnew reunion), I was all fired up and tried to organize a local Kagnew Group. Using your roster's state listing I notified everyone in the area who had email. We had a breakfast meeting and I passed out bumper stickers to the six or seven who were there. At the next monthly meeting we were three or four, then three, and finally for the last four meetings before we disbanded it was just Roger and I. A wonderful friendship was formed, and our families visited each other and ate together, and I would drive down to Waynesboro (about 45 minute drive) or he would drive up and we would have lunch together. After about a year and a half, I nominated him for membership in our Odd Fellows Lodge. He was an impact member of the Lodge! He organized a "Computers for Kids" program for our lodge where we accepted donations of used computers, refurnbished them and, working through the Principals of elementary schools, gave them to children whose schoolwork would benefit from a home computer. This was a main component of our community outreach program and was instrumental of our receiving the "Lodge of the Year" award I told you about.

His death has really hurt me badly and I have been having a difficult time saying goodbye to him. Our Lodge has been asked to serve as pall bearers, and we were at the funeral home for viewing last night and will be leaving in another four and a half hours for the funeral.

The grandson who wrote you the email was Roger's heart and had helped him in the testing of donated computers. Please pass his email address on to me.

Rick, as you had asked me to do, I told the family last night that I had some money from another Kagnew vet and that I would bring it to them today with your name and address. I have just put two fifties in the envelope with that info on the outside. This is a magnificent gesture on your part. While Roger and Peggy were rich in spirit, they were not well-off in material things. As a matter of fact, they bought most of their clothing at the Good Will store or yard sales. This will definitely help them. Please make my sponsorship of the Kagnew website read "In Memory of Roger Dotson, Kagnew '65 - '66".
Notice that Joe Wilder wanted posted on the page.

I am sorry to report the death of my very good friend and fellow Kagnew Station alumnus, Roger E. Dotson, who served in Company A of ASA in '65 - '66 as an 059. Roger passed on Wednesday, May 22, 2002. After separation from the army, Roger was ordained (at different times) both a United Methodist and Sounthern Baptist minister, and he was preaching a Wednesday night service at Grove Baptist church in Grovetown, GA when he passed. Members there said he was nearing the end of his sermon when he stopped, put his hands to his head, and said, "Hold on folks, I've got a problem here". He then collapsed and an RN who was in the congregation rushed to him and began CPR. She later said he was dead when she got to him.

Think of it, folks. One instant he was talking ABOUT his Saviour, and in the next instant he was talking TO Him face-to-face!. Like the Bible says, "In the twinkling of an eye"!!

Many of you who were at the Orlando reunion know him from having bought a CD of his with a collection of Kagnew photos on it. Others know him from serving with him. He was a fine Christian man and will be missed by many.

Cards or donations may be sent to:

Mrs. Peggy Dotson
607 Academy Ave.
Waynesboro, GA 30830

God Bless Us All,
Joe