Andrew was born on January 25, 1926 in Lonoke, Arkansas. He was the youngest child of Joe and Florence Dodgen. In 1943 Jack moved to California and shortly after enlisted in the US Army and served as a Paratrooper during World War II. From the first moment he met Joyce it was love at first sight and on May 8, 1947 he made her his bride and together they had 3 beautiful children; Brenda, Michael and Gary. Family meant everything to Jack. There was nothing he wouldn't do or sacrifice to make sure they were always taken care of. For many years Jack was a mechanic for Voth Farms in Wasco and then worked at Pioneer Equipment before retiring in 1991. After retirement, Jack continued to spend his time tinkering in his garage and garden, building things and for years enjoyed camping and fishing at Balch Park. Jack was preceded in death by his sisters, Effie, May and Marie; brother, Wesley and his youngest son, Gary. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, that he shared 64 years with; daughter, Brenda Coughenour; son, Michael Dodgen; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 22, at 9am at Peters Funeral Home, Shafter, for Jack Dodgen, age 85, of Bakersfield who passed away December 17, 2011 in Bakersfield. Pastor Wayne Montgomery of the Wasco Christ Community Church will officiate and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. Kern County Associated Veterans will preside over Military Rites. Casket bearers include, Steve Hernandez, Roger Welch, Duane Jeffries, Rick Gilbert, Dennis Dyer, Roger Young and Rodney Creekbaum. Michael Dodgen will serve as honorary bearer. Jack has touched so many lives and will be loved and missed forever.