Cecil Russell Dodge

Cecil Dodge, 97, passed away January 13, 2017, surrounded by his family and best friend. Cecil was born to Edward Wayne and Mary Ida Bailey Dodge on June 1, 1919, in Bradleyville, Missouri. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and was frequently found roaming the mountains with his horses and dogs. Just last fall, accompanied by his long-time hunting partner and best friend, Arnell Jepson, Cecil brought home four pheasants. Always known for his shooting skills, he was disappointed with only getting two birds with his first three shots. He set out to make his mark as a young man, beginning his career as a cowboy, breaking horses on ranches. He married his love, Vera Irene Lohr, in Twin Falls in 1939. Cecil and Vera were blessed with two daughters, Joan and Carolyn. Cecil's career supported and moved the family over the next several years. One highlight includes his work at DuPont, where he was recognized for improving Remingtons ballistics testing during the Second World War. While working at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington, a terrible car accident left Cecil in a full body cast for six months. Doctors told him he may never walk again. Undeterred, Cecil followed his true passion, and established his gunsmith business; even while sporting braces on both legs. Cecil and Vera thrived as entrepreneurs, and together managed the Pocatello Gun Shop for 38 successful years. When Cecil wasn't maintaining guns, he was shooting them. Cecil and Vera were very active with the Gun Clubs, where they both excelled and earned numerous trophies and records. In trap shooting, it was not unusual for Cecil to shoot 98-99/100 clays. Cecil loved the outdoors and spent countless days and nights scouring the mountains and fields for ducks, geese, pheasant, elk, deer, bobcats, antelope and mountain goats. He shot a Bighorn mountain sheep recognized by Boone and Crockett. He was a rugged climber and few could hold his pace in the Idaho backcountry. Later in life, Cecil's passion turned predominantly to treeing mountain lions. He continued to train dogs and horses, pursuing the big cats until his 88th year. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; sister; and wife, Vera. He is survived by his loving daughters, Joan (Duane) Denton and Carolyn (Val) Smith; grandchildren, Debbie Johnson, Tammy White, Jay Smith, Cheryl Smith, Lisa McNabb, Brian Smith and Sheri Edmond; 6 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 2 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID, with family receiving friends for one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Visitation

01/20/2017 13:00

14:00:00

Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Funeral Service

01/20/2017 14:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201