Obituary – Jerry Albert Dodson
Jerry Albert Dodson, affectionately known as “Big Jerry,” passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 73. Born on January 7, 1953, in Wellington, Kansas, to William A. and Veda R. Dodson, Jerry lived a life of compassionate strength, humility, and dedication to his faith in Christ and his family. His unwavering dedication to his family, his church, and his community was a reflection of his deep and abiding love for Christ. Jerry’s favorite Bible verse, Psalm 18:2, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,” was a guiding principle throughout his life, leading him on a path of service.
Jerry’s journey took him into the United States Navy at age 17. Following his service, he went to Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo., where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. He taught at a Christian school in Ohio before beginning his pastoral journey in Caney, Kansas. His journey through life took him to various states, serving as a pastor and youth pastor. His supportive nature led him to Mennonite Housing in Wichita, Kansas, where he worked as a construction manager while also continuing as a pastor. Additionally, Jerry started his own company, Dodson Construction, in 1997 and operated it until moving out of state. In 2001, he became the pastor of a church in Pratt, Kansas. Jerry’s heart was always in service, and even after a cancer diagnosis in 2006, he returned to pastoring a year later at the Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church in Licking, Missouri, for eight years before retiring in 2015. He was a humble and dedicated servant of God and his community, always putting others above himself. Jerry was a wonderful listener and became a quiet confidant for his children and his friends.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Regina Dodson, whom he married on October 6, 1979, in Kanorado, Kansas; his children: Jerry Robert Dodson and wife Trisha, daughter Rebecca Avants and husband Austin, son Josiah Dodson and wife Kandis, son Jacob Dodson and wife Johnni, son Jamin Dodson and wife Taylor, daughter Ratarah Shipley and husband Daniel, and son Jalon Dodson; his grandchildren: Lucas, Makayla, Greyson, Reighlyn, Lakin, Lawton, Remingtyn, LyndseyMae, Josiah, Silas, Paislyn, Wyatt, William, Aubrey, Levi, Madison, Scarlett, Renlind, Daniel John, Haven and Joanna; a sister, Geanetta Renner; and his step-father, Elvis Downs.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Dodson; mother Veda Downs; siblings: Bill Dodson, Marilyn Curless, Terry Dunsworth and Marvin Dunsworth; and a grandson, Tre’Vari Dodson.
A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026. Funeral services for Jerry will begin at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Harvest Church, 230 West Fernell Street, Derby, Kansas. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be given to the Harvest Church. All contributions will be used to help Pastor Jim Zenger with his cancer treatments. Contributions can be mailed to the church or left with the funeral home.
We invite everyone who was touched by Jerry’s life to visit www.cornejofuneralhome.com to share memories, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall. Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas.
