Mark G. Dolson

Mark G. Dolson, 66, of Napa, CA, passed away on August 10, 2022, at French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, CA. He was born May 7, 1956, in Winamac, IN, the son of Ernest Eugene "Gene" & Doris (McCrory) Dolson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Carl Lenn Dolson.

He married Cathy Roche on May 21, 1983, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Megan & Jordan Moir; his son, Alex Dolson; his three beloved grandchildren, Julia, Eli, and Zack; his brothers & sisters-in-law, Steve & Anita Dolson and David & Bonnie Dolson; his sister-in-law, Marsha Dolson; as well as several nieces & nephews and grand-nieces & nephews.

Mark grew up in the West Union area before transferring to Charleston High School, where he would graduate in 1974. He studied chemistry as an undergrad at Eastern Illinois University and as a graduate student at the Ohio State University. His thirst for knowledge led him to do postdoc work at Columbia University, which served him well over the course of his 32-year career at Chevron, where he worked as a chemist in the Lubricants Department before retiring in 2017. At home, he kept his mind sharp by working on crossword and sudoku puzzles or by playing chess, a game that brought him many hours of reflection and enjoyment. He also spent quite a bit of his free time outside, be that golfing, hiking, or going on a quiet walk.

As the years went by, his passion for genealogy grew to the point that he traveled to cemeteries throughout the United States to help piece together his family tree. This is unsurprising, as family was always the cornerstone of his life. A caring brother, devoted husband, proud father, and doting grandfather, Mark will be remembered for pouring so much of himself into each of these roles. For example, when his son wanted to play soccer, Mark found every book he could get his hands on to learn more about the sport. When Alex wanted to join the Boy Scouts, his dad (with no history in the organization) became a troop leader and played a vital role in his son becoming an Eagle Scout. His daughter Megan could also speak to her father's immersive love and his God-given proficiency in fixing anything and everything. His was a dependable and helpful hand, trusted with numerous projects over the years, big and small. What's more, he wanted to help, consistently making himself available for those he loved. They will remember his terribly amusing dad jokes with a smile, and his life with sincere affection. After all, Mark Dolson filled his 66 years with real and genuine living, saturated with a love that will forever live on in our hearts.

Mark was very proud of his family's 150-year history in the West Union, IL area, so it is appropriate that he will be laid to rest in the land of his forefathers. A graveside service will be held at the York Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19th. Memorial contributions may be made to the "West Union District Library", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.