Ralph Wesley Dodd (Wes)

Wes Dodd passed away on December 14, 2021, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Morland, Kansas on July 23, 1932, to Ralph E. Dodd and Mary M Kobler Dodd. Wes graduated from Morland Rural High School in 1950 as one of 9 members of the largest graduating class in the school’s history to that point.

Wes’ first job was that of a soda jerk at the Kobler Drug Store in Moreland, which was owned by an uncle. From there he went on to drive a tractor and work on the railroad before enlisting in the US Navy on April 19, 1951. Wes trained in Memphis and Jacksonville before shipping out for two tours in Korea aboard the USS Essex. Wes completed his naval service in 1956 having earned two rows of service ribbons and honors.

After his service in Korea, Wes joined the Escondido, CA Police Department and shortly after that he married his first wife Viola. They had three children together, Susan, Cathy, and Steve and were later divorced. Wes moved to Utah in 1969 and joined the Salt Lake County Sherriff’s Office in 1972 where he would retire as a Sergeant in 1997 following 25 years of service. In 1974 Wes married Ann Richman and became father to James, Cindy, and Carrie.

Wes has hundreds of good friends including fellow Utah fans, Lumpy’s pals, and golf buddies. He made a friend everywhere he went.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Susan. He is survived by his children Cathy (Fred) Johnson, Steve (Holly) Dodd, James (Kate) Palmer, Cindy (Randy) Nowell, and Carri Palmer as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Memorial Estates at 6500 Redwood Road on Monday at 10AM followed by a graveside service at 11AM. Wes will be interred at Memorial Redwood with his wife Ann. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to either the Lupus Foundation (lupus.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).