1942
Raymond
2011
Raymond Chester Dotson
February 18, 1942 — August 29, 2011
Raymond Chester "Butch" Dotson was the son of Helen and Jesse Dotson. He was named after Raymond Bunney, a young man who was killed in Corregidor during WWII, and his uncle, Chester Stephens. Almost from the first, he was called Butch–a popular name for a robust boy. And Butchie was robust; he weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces at his birth, on February 18, 1942, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In his baby book, his mother, Helen, commented that it was 6 degrees below zero, and that he had one gray hair on top of his head.
Raymond thrived and, at twenty months old, was larger than his sister; it was he who pulled her in the small, red wagon, rather than the other way around. His pediatrician was amazed at Raymond's growth and ability: he was tall, strong, and appeared to have an I.Q. comparable to a child five years old. His favorite project was an abandoned cream separator, which he took apart and reassembled nearly every day.
When he was twenty-three months old, he contacted spinal meningitis. Doctors at the time believed he might have caught if from the sheep on the ranch, since they had showed similar symptoms.At any event, it was winter and the family was snowed in on a ranch outside of Aladdin, Wyoming. When they were able to finally get medical assistance, Butch proved allergic to sulphur drugs. Finally, the doctors were able to put in a request for penicillian, the new wonder drug of the time, and a desperate race was executed to get it to him in time. Although it saved his life, the damage was already done.
For a time, he seemed to be recovering, and it became a public interest story in newspapers throughout much of the country. Then his sight failed, although it came back eventually. Gradually, however, he began having an alarming number of seizures and then partial paralysis.
His appetite, however, was not diminished and he grew into a chubby, big boy. At around nine years of age, his parents, unable to give him the care he needed at home, and at the strong urging of Butch's doctor, traveled to Lander and made arrangements for Butchie to live at the Wyoming State Training School.
The Training School became Butch's home from then until his death on Monday, August 29, 2011. He was 69 years of age. During his residency, his parents visited him every three weeks until their death. After their retirement, they came to the school in a pickup camper, which the superintendent allowed them to park on the grounds so they could visit Butchie morning and afternoon.
Most writer's of eulogies can list education, employment, and membership in churches or organizations as the accomplishments of one's lifetime. Butch never had those opportunities, but my memories of his life are rich in other ways. He was affectionate. He responded by holding hands. He enjoyed music, particularly lively music with a strong beat. He loved the banana shaped marshmallow candies my father brought him. He learned many everyday skills through the patient teaching of his caregivers.
The last time I visited, I was able to stay two days. On our last morning–a beautiful Septembeer day–we wheeled Butchie around the campus in his wheelchair. My companion played his harmonica as we circled the campus. Butch seemed excited, and I think he enjoyed himself as we paraded up and down the sidewalks. I talked to him about our parents, and explained why they no longer visited. I think he understood, because he held my hand tightly and seemed content.
I am sure his caretakers here have their own memories of him. I observed them helping him overcome small challenges. I remember the staff member who fashioned soft, leather footwear to keep callouses from developing on the side of Butchie's foot. I remember the room where Butchie was taken where wonderful, inventive means were developed to give him sensory stimulation. Each time he mastered a concept, however small, was an important accomplishment for him.
Raymond's is survived by his sister, Jennie L. Brown of Kentucky and his nephew, Dr. Troy Couch of New York state.
It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to my brother, but also with a feeling of gratitude that he was surrounded for so many years with the caring, competent and considerate caregivers at this most remarkable facility.
With love,Jennie L. Brown
Funeral Home:
Hudson's Funeral Home
680 Mount Hope Drive
Lander, WY
US 82520
Raymond thrived and, at twenty months old, was larger than his sister; it was he who pulled her in the small, red wagon, rather than the other way around. His pediatrician was amazed at Raymond's growth and ability: he was tall, strong, and appeared to have an I.Q. comparable to a child five years old. His favorite project was an abandoned cream separator, which he took apart and reassembled nearly every day.
When he was twenty-three months old, he contacted spinal meningitis. Doctors at the time believed he might have caught if from the sheep on the ranch, since they had showed similar symptoms.At any event, it was winter and the family was snowed in on a ranch outside of Aladdin, Wyoming. When they were able to finally get medical assistance, Butch proved allergic to sulphur drugs. Finally, the doctors were able to put in a request for penicillian, the new wonder drug of the time, and a desperate race was executed to get it to him in time. Although it saved his life, the damage was already done.
For a time, he seemed to be recovering, and it became a public interest story in newspapers throughout much of the country. Then his sight failed, although it came back eventually. Gradually, however, he began having an alarming number of seizures and then partial paralysis.
His appetite, however, was not diminished and he grew into a chubby, big boy. At around nine years of age, his parents, unable to give him the care he needed at home, and at the strong urging of Butch's doctor, traveled to Lander and made arrangements for Butchie to live at the Wyoming State Training School.
The Training School became Butch's home from then until his death on Monday, August 29, 2011. He was 69 years of age. During his residency, his parents visited him every three weeks until their death. After their retirement, they came to the school in a pickup camper, which the superintendent allowed them to park on the grounds so they could visit Butchie morning and afternoon.
Most writer's of eulogies can list education, employment, and membership in churches or organizations as the accomplishments of one's lifetime. Butch never had those opportunities, but my memories of his life are rich in other ways. He was affectionate. He responded by holding hands. He enjoyed music, particularly lively music with a strong beat. He loved the banana shaped marshmallow candies my father brought him. He learned many everyday skills through the patient teaching of his caregivers.
The last time I visited, I was able to stay two days. On our last morning–a beautiful Septembeer day–we wheeled Butchie around the campus in his wheelchair. My companion played his harmonica as we circled the campus. Butch seemed excited, and I think he enjoyed himself as we paraded up and down the sidewalks. I talked to him about our parents, and explained why they no longer visited. I think he understood, because he held my hand tightly and seemed content.
I am sure his caretakers here have their own memories of him. I observed them helping him overcome small challenges. I remember the staff member who fashioned soft, leather footwear to keep callouses from developing on the side of Butchie's foot. I remember the room where Butchie was taken where wonderful, inventive means were developed to give him sensory stimulation. Each time he mastered a concept, however small, was an important accomplishment for him.
Raymond's is survived by his sister, Jennie L. Brown of Kentucky and his nephew, Dr. Troy Couch of New York state.
It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to my brother, but also with a feeling of gratitude that he was surrounded for so many years with the caring, competent and considerate caregivers at this most remarkable facility.
With love,Jennie L. Brown
Funeral Home:
Hudson's Funeral Home
680 Mount Hope Drive
Lander, WY
US 82520
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