Johnie O. Dodson of Lompoc died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at the age of 82.

Johnie was born March 19, 1928 in Hinton, Oklahoma to Thomas and Gertrude Dodson. At the age of 19 he came to Lompoc and lived in what used to be the Colonial Inn while he worked with his uncle Artie Martin at the local Buick dealership. As a member of the National Guard he was activated to serve in Korea during the war.

When Johnie returned to Lompoc he went to work for the city of Lompoc as a meter reader. He retired in 1990 at the foreman of the meter shop with the city water department.

He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Lompoc and served as a deacon, a greeter and a board member. He was also a member and past grand master of the Odd Fellows Lodge. As a shell collector he was a member of the Santa Barbara Malicological Society.

In retirement Johnie loved to travel with his wife in their fifth wheel. He enjoyed woodworking, camping and selling honey at the farmers' market. He loved people and made friends wherever he went.

Johnie is survived by his wife of 60 years Joy Dodson, his daughter and son-in-law Wendy and David Schroeder of Lompoc, his grandchildren Laurel and Amy Schroeder of Lompoc and Lindsey Caneso of Inglewood, his great grandchildren Madeline and Ariana Cross, his sisters Melba Anderson of Texas, Sandra Willett of Florida, Imagene of Illinois, his brothers Lloyd, Gene and Jimmy Dodson all of Oklahoma.

Pastor Leonard Turek will direct the memorial service on Saturday, April 10, at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church, 2200 West Cypress Avenue. Cremation will be followed by private inurnment. The arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.