Russell Ray Dotson

Russell Ray Dotson, 81, of Joseph, died Oct. 29 doing what he loved - hunting with his family. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Imnaha Christian Fellowship. A potluck will follow.

Russell was born April 12, 1929, to Emmitt and Effie Dotson in Akron, Ohio. He was the second of six children. When Russell was 2, the family moved to the Eugene area.

He graduated from Mapleton High School and joined the Marine Corps. He met his sweetheart, Phyllis Lorraine McKay, in Eugene and they were married there on Sept. 15, 1949. In 1952, their first son, Dale, was born while they were living in Weippe, Idaho. Two years later, a second son, Dan, was born in Brookings.

The family moved to Wallowa County in 1966. Throughout his life, Russell worked in the agriculture and timber industries. He was also a co-owner in a gas station and grocery store. In 2001, he retired from driving his own logging truck.

Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He also liked writing poetry and reading Westerns. He faithfully attended church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis; sons, Dale and his wife, Marla, of Joseph, and Dan and his wife, Laura, of Imnaha; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Imnaha Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 96, Imnaha 97842.

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