Local man, Durward Dodd passes away at age of 95

Durward was born and raised in Lenna, Oklahoma, and grew up riding horses, first for transportation,  then all over the countryside as a hobby.

Durward loved to ride horses, but when he left for California it was by train. He left Lenna in the year 1942 as many people were leaving in search of better jobs in California. Durward said that he needed something to do so he attended Moler Barber College in Fresno.

He barbered for 63 years, as the long-time owner/operator of Dodd’s Barber Shop before dislocating his shoulder.  Durward grew up attending church, but attended more regularly after marrying the love of his life.

 His interest in God grew as an adult as did his love for Juanita who preceded him in death in 2007.   He preached full time for 45 years, give or take, for the Church of Christ. As a Preacher Brother Dodd first served the congregation of Lemoore, secondly the congregation of Corcoran, then the congregation of Stratford before finally returning to Lemoore.

He also served 20 or more years as a panelist for the live television show, “The One Way.”  Durward served with the Army National Guard and thought highly of the servicemen stationed in Lemoore.

Durward is survived by two sons, Garland Durward Dodd and wife Cheri of Lemoore and Stonnie Utah Dodd and late wife Sandra also of Lemoore: a brother Jack Dodd of Oregon; a brother in law Bill Williams (Anna) of Oakhurst; seven grandchildren, Belinda Dodd of Oregon, Erik Dodd (Kim), Tim Dodd, Lesa Dodd-Sanchez (Anthony), Robert Dodd (Jeriese), David Dodd (Janae), Julianne Dodd-Berna (David) all of Hanford/Lemoore area; 22 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 pm Sunday, November 15th at Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel, Lemoore. Funeral services will be Monday, 10:30 a.m. at Church of Christ, 140 Skaggs Street, Lemoore. Interment will follow in Lemoore Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

Friends who wish may contribute to the charity of their choice in Durward’s memory.