E. P. Dobson, Jr

Former Natchitoches resident Eugie Parks Dobson, Jr., age 84, died peacefully at his home in Sun City West, Arizona, on Saturday, November 22, 2008, following a courageous battle with cancer. Known to all as "E. P.," Mr. Dobson was born on January 3, 1924 in Chestnut, La. to the late Eugie P. Dobson and Myrtle King Dobson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Vennie Lois Rachal Dobson; four beloved daughters, Jan Baldwin of Shreveport, Gail Varner of Arcadia, FL., Cynthia Dobson of Beaumont, TX, and Martha Griffith of Parker, CO.; brother, Roland Dobson of Chestnut, LA; nephew Ron Dobson of Chestnut; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. E. P. graduated from Readhimer High School in 1940 as valedictorian of his class. He attended Northwestern State University, and then served in the U.S Air Force from 1942 to 1946. After military service he returned to NSU where he received his B.S. in Mathematics and Industrial Education in 1947. In 1951 he graduated from Oklahoma University, Norman, OK, receiving his Bachelor of Architecture. His architectural career spanned more than forty years designing and supervising the construction of more than 300 projects throughout Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. His firm designed many landmark buildings, including the Natchitoches Parish Library building which won the prestigious Honors Award from the Louisiana Architects Association. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Louisiana Architects Association, and served as president of the Alexandria Chapter of the LAA. He was also a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and served twelve years on the Louisiana Board of Architectural Examiners. E. P. was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches where he served on the Board of Deacons for many years. He served on the Board of the Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve for more than twenty years, volunteering his architectural services for various building projects. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, skiing, and flying. In 1991 E. P. and Vennie retired to Sun City West, AZ where he became an avid golfer, gardener, and active member of the First Baptist Church, AZ. His unselfish desire was that his body be donated to the Sun Health Research Center for scientific research. After cremation, the family has planned a private memorial with inurnment at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. If desired, remembrances in E.P.’s name may be made to the Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve, P. O. Box 226, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457.