Mr. Thomas S. Dotson , age 50, of Salamanca, New York died Sunday morning, July 27, 2008 at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Born on December 10, 1957 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret "Peggy" Velie Dotson. He was married on December 19, 1998 to Sandra "Sue" West Lore Dotson who survives.

Mr. Dotson was a graduate of Salamanca High School Class of 1976.

He was a 17 year War Veteran of the United States Army serving in Desert Strom. He also served three years in Germany, a year in South Korea, and many years at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal Ribbon with Numeral 3, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 bronze Service Stars, Expert Badge, Rifle Markmanship Badge, Grenade Sharpshooter Pistol Badge. Tom was patriotic and very proud to serve his country and considered it a privilege to live in the United States.

He was employed as a Surveyor's Assistant at the Seneca Nation of Indians for the past three years. Previously, he had been employed as Surveyor's Assistant for Paul Schreckengost's Land Survey in Falconer, New York and Mike Canada's Land Survey in Olean, New York. Mr. Dotson was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535. The number one priority in Tom's life was being with his wife, family, and friends which include his beloved pets. Tom was devoted to his faith and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Surviving besides his wife are: 2 sons, Thomas (Meredith) Dotson Jr., Atlanta, GA, Sean (Brynne) Dotson, Cleveland, Ohio; a daughter, Danielle (Frank) Bleyman, Hinesville, GA; 11 grandchildren; Jacob, Kaleb, Frankie, Trevor, Garrett, Bryant, Crystal, Samantha, Brandon, Amanda, Cheyenne, Great-grandaughter, Candace, 2 step sons, Steven Lore, Salamanca, New York, Keith Lore, Little Valley, NY; 2 sisters, Debora (Tom) Scott, Salamanca, NY and Nancy (Jim) Hamacher, Great Valley, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Tuesday from 2 -4 & 7-9 P.M.

Funeral services will be held in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Salamanca, New York in Wednesday morning at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Michael Lonto officiating.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

The family suggests memorials St. Mary's Church Episcopal Church, Salamanca, New York, Home Care & Hospice or Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Full military honors will be performed by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post # 535

E condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com