Joseph Dotson

Joseph “J.D.” Dotson passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2024, with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law by his side in La Grande, Oregon. JD grew up in Prairie Grove Arkansas on his family's farm. He left school at a young age and moved out west to help support the family. He worked with his father in various places around Washington and California. He served in the Army before settling in the Tieton-Cowiche area. He married Louise (Wadsack) and after their first child (Dee Dee) they moved to Ellensburg where JD started in the construction and logging industries. After their second child (Danny) came they returned to the Tieton-Cowiche area where they raised their family. His daughter's family, Joe and Dee Dee Trepanier had two boys Tyler and Trey and his son's family Dan and Yuri Dotson had one daughter Abigail. JD and Louise were married for 31 years before her passing in 1991. JD married Iona Mazie who he liked to call “Noni” in the spring of 1996, and they were married for 28 years before his passing. He loved his family and was a hard worker and good provider. JD never met a stranger. With a quick wit, friendly smile, and a big grin, he made friends everywhere he went! He was a good storyteller and had plenty of stories to tell. He was always helping someone, friends, family, or strangers. JD was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, roping/horseback riding. He could also fix just about anything. Perhaps his favorite hobby of all was playing country music with his friends. He loved going to jam sessions and Old-Time Fiddlers events all over the valley. He also enjoyed traveling and seeing what was around the next bend. He and Iona went on many adventures over the years and had many stories to tell about their travels. J.D. is survived by his wife of 28 years Iona “Noni” Dotson, son Daniel (Yuri) Dotson, son-in-law Joe Trepanier, grandchildren Tyler Trepanier, Trey (Courtney) Trepanier, and Abigail Dotson. Brother Ralph (Lavon) Dotson, stepson Marvin Mazie, stepdaughter Arleta (Byron) Davis, step grandchildren Nichole (Cliff) Crews, Sean (Holly) Davis, and many step great grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces. JD was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Louise Dotson, daughter Dee Ann Trepanier, siblings Clara Bell Dotson, Bonnie Copeland, Claude “Junior” Dotson, and Donny Paul Dotson. There will be a viewing on Friday, July 12th, 2024 at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima between 5 pm and 7 pm. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 at Wiley Union Church in Wiley City at 10 am. A graveside service will follow the memorial at West Hills Memorial Park at 1pm. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Dotson, please visit our flower store.