Newton B DodsonClarksDALE, MSNewton B Dodson, former mayor of Clarksdale, MS, died July 8, 2017, in Huntsville, AL. He was born on August 25, 1926, in Shattuck, OK. Dodson grew up in Perryton, TX, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis Fountain Dodson. With his two older sisters and his twin sister the family moved to Austin, TX, when the Dust Bowl became too severe. He graduated from Austin High School, served two years in the Pacific theater in World War II as a sergeant and graduated from the University of Texas with a BBA degree and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He married Edwina Montgomery in 1948, moved to Kerrville, TX, where they engaged in ranching and dairy farming for several years. Clarksdale, MS, was their next home where they lived for the next 60+ years. Always interested in his country and Republicanism, Dodson was Republican Coahoma County Chairman for over 25 years. He was on the State Republican Executive Committee and was elected delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1968 and served one term as mayor of Clarksdale. His city was important to him and he was Chairman of the Clarksdale Beautification Commission for many years and was Chairman of the Clarksdale Housing Authority for more than thirty years. As Executive Director of Region One Mental Health Center he won many awards and was president of the Association of Mental Health Centers for two years and twelve years as legislative chairman. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club and served as president for the Clarksdale Club, the Farm Bureau and the Planters Club. He was the moving force for establishing Fairland House and Sunflower Landing, a rehabilitation center for men, women and young people. He served on the National Council on Aging for four years, appointed by then Senator Bob Dole. An active member of the First Presbyterian Church, he served many years as an Elder and as a member of the choir.Dodson was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Edwina Montgomery Dodson. He was the father of three children, Frances Kyser (Jeff) of Huntsville, AL, Newton "Monty" Dodson (Audie) of Brandon, MS, and Louisa Sandager (Jim) of West Des Moines, IA; nine grandchildren, Lucius Marion IV, Carrys Sasser (Scott), Newton Dodson, Jr (Reuschel), Lewis Dodson, Laura Romer (David), Philip Sandager, Gwen Gammon (Garrett), Molly Sandager, Jessica Kinard (Frank); and eight great-grandchildren. Dodson also leaves his three beloved sisters, Yvonne Zoe Marak, Francis Woodworth and his twin Neida Beth Hulsey all of Panhandle, TX.There will be a private burial at Oakridge Cemetery and later a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, Clarksdale, MS, on July 12, at 1:30 p.m., with the Reverend Ryan Dean conducting. The family will receive friends after the service. Memorials may be made to the with appreciation of the family.Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(662)363-1233