Donn Ray Dodd

Donn R. Dodd, age 85, died April 3, 2017, in Claremore, OK. Donn was born June 24, 1931, in Tererro, New Mexico to Dick and Lottie Gilbert Dodd. He was their only child.
Donn was a retired publisher/owner of the Claremore Daily Progress from 1965-1986.
He was a 1949 graduate of Commerce High School, Commerce, OK, and a 1953 graduate of Oklahoma A&M College, now known as Oklahoma State University, with a degree in Journalism.
His career started in Bartlesville, and he also served with newspapers in Miami, Okmulgee, and Sapulpa. He was a member and officer of many organizations in Claremore including Chamber of Commerce president, the J.M. Davis Gun Museum Board and Claremore Hospital Board. He was also President of the Oklahoma Press Association as well as serving on many committees through the years.
In 1954 he married Maxine Paris of Fairview, OK. They moved to Claremore in 1965, where he spent the rest of his life.
Pa, as he was known by his grandchildren, loved fishing, rooting for the OSU Cowboys, collecting golf balls and harassing OU fans whenever he could.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Dodd-Taylor and husband Dr. Charles Taylor of Jenks, and Dr. Karen Willhoite and husband, Ken Willhoite, of Claremore. Grandchildren, Dr. Whitley Taylor, Greenville, SC, Shelby Taylor, Dallas, TX, Darcy Taylor, Stillwater, OK, Cale Corley, Stillwater, OK, and Reid Willhoite, Claremore, OK, two step-grandchildren, Alec Willhoite and Hayden Willhoite, of Irving, TX, and one cousin, Tom Gilbert and wife La Rita of Commerce, OK. Donn was preceded in death by his parents.
Donn requested no services. The family will be having a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests donations be made to the Claremore Animal Shelter, 815 N. Ramm Road, Claremore, OK 74017, 918-341-1260.