Samuel P. "Sam" Dodson, 61, of 100 S. Main St., Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Friday morning at his residence.

Born in Shenandoah, October 16, 1954, he was a son of the late Samuel and Regina "Jean" Fromm Dodson.

Shortly after birth, Sam and his family moved to Trona, Calif., and later returned to Shenandoah when Sam was eight years old. He was educated in Shenandoah schools.

In 1971, Sam enlisted in the Marine Corps having became a marksman with a specialty as a machine gunner. He was honorably discharged in 1974 and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Marksmanship Badge and the Rifle Marksman Badge.

Sam had been employed as a welder, having last worked in Schuylkill Haven.

He thoroughly enjoyed motorcycles, especially riding the many Harley-Davidson's he owned throughout his life.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister, Pamela Dodson, in September 1954.

Surviving are his sister, Kimberly Laudeman and her husband, Steven, Pattersonville; one daughter, Angela Walters, Shenandoah; many dear friends and his Manx cat, "Rally".

Religious services will be held at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. The Rev. Christopher Wollyung will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.