Al Dodson, Sr. embodies community dedication and professional excellence. From his beginnings in Sand Springs to his distinguished service in both the funeral industry and numerous community organizations, his contributions have left a lasting impact on the city.
Alfred Dodson, Sr. attended school in Sand Springs from the first grade until his senior year, graduating in 1936. Right out of high school, he began working for R.L. Mobley Funeral Home, a position he held until joining the service in 1944. During World War II, he served with the 1864th Service Command Unit, Military Police Department.
After the war, Al graduated from the University of Mortuary Science in Kansas City in 1948. In 1963, he purchased an interest in Mobley Funeral Home, renaming it Mobley Dobson Funeral Service. Today, they are partners in Mobley Dodson Funeral Service in Sand Springs, as well as Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel and Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel Funeral Homes in Tulsa.
Appointed by former Governor George Nigh, Al served on the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors for 11 years, holding positions as President and Secretary. His community involvement is extensive: he served as Chairman of the Sand Springs Community Chest Board (now the United Way), Advisory Board Chairman of the Sand Springs Salvation Army in 1969, Chairman of the Sand Springs City/County Health Department Advisory Board, and Chairman of the Annexation Committee that placed the 5-mile perimeter around Sand Springs.
Al has also held several offices within the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and has been a dedicated member of Sand Springs Community Services, formerly known as the Sand Springs Welfare Association, for 35 years. His lifelong commitment to both his profession and his community has made Al Dodson, Sr. a respected and influential figure in Sand Springs.