Ralph "Pappaw" Jackson Dodd passed away peacefully at 1:30 AM on Friday, February 9, at 100 years old.  This was an extraordinary life, and his story deserves more than a few paragraphs.  He was still working on cars, driving, and drinking 10 cups of coffee daily until COVID struck when he was 97 years old.  Though ill, he was absolutely determined to reach 100 years old, and he met his goal thanks to the help of the incredible and kind people at Integrity Hospice.

Ralph was born in Steele, Missouri on January 5, 1924, to Towney Elmer Dodd, a farmer/ginner, and Esther M. Pritchard-Dodd.  Growing up on the farm he learned how to work hard, helping in the fields picking cotton and taking the mules to town to sell it, which he often told stories about. He married his soulmate, Marcene, when they were still teenagers, and they stayed married for 81 years.

He had an extensive career of mechanical work including a stint in the army when he was drafted in February of 1946.  While in the Army he received his license as a master mechanic.  He spent most of his years working at B & K in St. Louis.  He could fix anything and everything he got his hands on.  Once he retired, he kept doing odd jobs, at one point he even ran a tackle shop down in Ft. Myers, Florida when he was in his 80's.  He loved to fish, hunt, and be outside.  Ralph was a lifelong member of the church of Christ being a member of the church in all places they lived including Steele, MO, Maryland Heights, MO, Ft. Myers, FL, West Plains, MO, Branson, MO (Hollister church), West End in St. Charles, MO, Protem, MO and now Sunset in Springfield, MO.

Ralph's stubborn, fighting spirit stayed until his last breath.  He was still climbing ladders (against our wishes of course), fixing anything he could get his hands on, and blowing leaves off the porch.  Just last week he announced he was going to go get his driver's license renewed and fix his car so he could teach his Great Granddaughter Marcy to drive.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Marcene Marie Frakes-Dodd; his sister, Joann; grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan (Hope), Jeannie, Tom (Trish), Mark, Lisa (Kevin), Ben, Jeff (Marissa), Katie, Bradley, and Brian; his many great grandchildren, Marcy, James, Finley, Kristin, Anna, Mark, Gabby, Garrett, Genna, Violet, Mia, Emily, Mike, Ethan, and Sydney; and great great grandchildren, Giana Joy, Blake, Abigail Grace, Jordan and Rylan. He is also survived by his nieces, Debbie, CoAnn, Laurie, Marsha, Ann, and Krista; as well as nephews, Dennis (Sandy) and Kenny, and an endless number of other family and friends.

He was tragically preceded in death by his children, Marcy Marie Dodd-Miller, Sharon Kay Dodd-Farley, Ralph Jackson Dodd ll, and Timothy Wayne Dodd.  Also, his parents; his brothers, Gibb, Mack, Odell, Joe; and sisters, Uldine and Nadine.

Services will be held at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO where his ashes will be buried with honors.