ALLEN DOTSON JR.
There are people in our journeys who, when you meet them, give off the essence of life; you know that they have truly lived. Their stories captivate you; their presence almost demands your attention, leaving you with an impression that impacts your life
Joe Allen Dotson Jr. was one of those people. He was born on Aug. 30, 1957, to Joe Allen Dotson Sr. and Pamela Sue Hardman Dotson in Big Spring, Texas. He was the oldest of five children – Teri, Steve, Chris, and Van – and as part of a military family, they made countless memories around the world in memorable places such as Greece and the Philippines. He was a loving big brother known to be highly protective of his siblings.
Allen’s loyal and protective spirit extended to his devotion as a husband and parent. Allen was married to Monica Dotson for 23 years and a devoted father to his three children: Derick Dotson, Weston Vickers, and Mollie Dotson. They relocated to “the farm” in Albany, Texas, where Allen found his true home, embracing the country life that suited him so well.
Allen was a man of many interests. He was an avid golfer and a passionate baseball fan, and he enjoyed playing softball and watching any sport. His love for sports was only matched by his passion for the water, enjoying countless memories in his childhood and as an adult on Possum Kingdom Lake.
Allen was a dedicated employee of BNSF who approached his work with the same level of commitment as he did with his family. He worked as a train conductor for the railroad and served as the Conductor Representative on the Safety Committee for six years. Allen was also a passionate instructor for new train hires and held various positions as an advocate for the UTU Union. He served in these roles for almost 20 years before retiring. Not to mention, Allen’s love for trains blossomed into a love for collecting miniature trains.
Above everything, Allen’s faith was an essential part of his life. He faithfully attended New Destination Church in Breckenridge, Texas. Allen’s strong sense of family and work ethic was reflected in his pursuit of a relationship with Christ. He intentionally walked with the Lord and surrounded his bathroom mirror with his favorite Bible verses. Allen always carried one of these verses with him, Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Allen leaves behind his wife Monica; his sons Derick and Weston; and his daughter Mollie and her future husband, Payton. His brothers Steve and his wife Cherylynn and Van and his wife Trish. His brothers-in-law Torin Halsey and Kyle Morrison and wife Becky. His sister in-law Kay Coleman and her husband Chris; his favorite in laws Bill and Liz Morrison. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; in his last days, each of them commented on the intense love they felt from Allen throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Chris Dotson; his sister Teri Halsey; his sisters-in-law Anna Morrison and Robin Morrison, and his nephews Blake Dotson and Cristiano Rodriguez.
Services were handled by Girdner Funeral Home.
