Morris Ira Dodds

Morris “Ira” Dodds, 90, of Lebo, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
He was born March 29, 1931 in Wakefield, Kansas the son of Jessie R. and Della M. Shaner Dodds.

Ira served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was inducted on September 3, 1951 and received his honorable discharge on September 4, 1953.

After returning from the military, Ira began working at Brocker’s Ford in Butler, Mo. He then took a position with the REA in Butler before accepting a job with Kansas Power & Light in Topeka. Ira retired from KPL on May 1, 1992 after a long career as a lineman.

Ira was married to Madonna Lee Cushard and they had four children. They later divorced.

He was always tinkering and inventing. In 1948 he created the “Ring Of Fire” a lighted spinning block of wood and wire designed to fit onto the front tire of a motorcycle. Ira always seemed to come up with a new creation to showcase during the annual July 4th parade. One of his favorites was a motorized trike that he built from scratch.

Ira was involved in numerous organizations over the course of his life including, Lebo American Legion Post #323, Rural Electric Association of Missouri, Road Ridders Motorcycle Group and the Christian Motorcycle Association. He would often take trips with his motorcycle friends on the Road to Cassidy. As a private pilot, Ira proudly served on the Board at the Coffey County Airport.

He married Carol Lou Mullen on August 1, 1990 in Burlington, Kansas. Carol survives Ira of their home. Other survivors include his children, Madella Sheldon of Oklahoma, Jadonna (Tim) Trout of North Carolina, Moretta (Jack) Johnson of Oklahoma, Theron (Tammy) Dodds of Lebo; a stepson, Bradley (Davanne) Mullen of Lebo; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Ira was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Florence, Thelma, Hazel, Fern and Ivy; brothers, Lee, Gene, Mervin and Ivan.

Cremation is planned with private services at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hand In Hand Hospice and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.