Walter V. Dotson

Walter V. Dotson, 83, of Cottonwood died June 1 in Cottonwood. He was born February 13, 1920 in Gonzalez Wells (Quartzside), Arizona. Walter, as a boy, trapped along the California and Mexico borders with his Dad. As a teenager Walter lived in Williams and California helping run riding stables with an uncle. He drove horses from Williams to Phoenix and back to Williams depending on the season for riding stables. As a young adult he married Blanche Bryant, had two children, Pauline and Walter, Jr. He then was drafted into the army where he served his term in Germany as a tank operator. He returned to Arizona working several different jobs in the mines and construction. He moved to Cottonwood and had two more children, Marvin and Elaine. He had various jobs with AK Ragel and ended his career after 20 years working for Babbitts Lumber. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with friends and family. Anywhere there was water to catch a fish, Walter was happy. He loved fishing the banks of the Verde River for catfish. He spent many hours watching his grandkids play ball. Walter will always be remembered for his caring heart, he touched the lives of everyone he met. He is survived by his children, Walter, Jr. and Norma Dotson of Flagstaff, Marvin and Joy Dotson of Cottonwood and Elaine Ferguson of Cottonwood. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tammy, Dan and Shannon Waterbury of North Pole, Alaska, Duane Dotson of Oklahoma, Ari, Xaviera and Arianna Ayup of Flagstaff, Erin and Rob Bejarano of Cornville, Salina, Brian, Gabriel, Makayla and Jordan Littlefield of Rimrock, Brook, Chanda and Carter Dotson of Price, Utah, Jeff, Debbie and Tanner Lynch of Cottonwood, Michael and Cory Ferguson of Cottonwood. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Dave and Darlene Dotson of Wickenburg, Nora and Jim Murphey of Chino Valley and Richard and Jean Dotson of Cleveland, Utah. He is preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Dotson, daughter Pauline Gage, mother Thelma Dotson, father Harley Dotson, brother Bill Dotson and sister Ruth Dilley. Services will be held Saturday, July 7 at 2 PM in the Westcott Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1 PM Saturday at the funeral home.