Hello everyone,

My name is Ed Conroy, high school friend of Bobby Dodds. As many of you know, Bob recently lost his battle with cancer. I am starting this page to raise funds for his upcoming celebration of life, April 13. Please join me to help his family. Bob is survived by sons Ryan and Dillon, daughter Briana Matyi, and nephew Chase Cook.

I met Bobby his senior year of high school when my dad was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. We became quick friends and then after inviting me to his house for lunch one day, he blew me away with his guitar playing. Said he had only been playing a year which was impossible to believe. I had started playing guitar but would never be close to his level. He convinced me to buy a bass and then I spent the rest of the year trying to learn songs to keep up with him, Brent Hayes on drums, and Larry Weatherly on guitar. After high school, I went on to college in North Carolina. I did visit after my freshman year and spent the summer doing lights for his and Brent's first professional band Fourplay. I visited 2 years later in 1985 and watched the two of them playing with Joe Tanner. They had improved so much and it was great seeing them again. I did not get back to Missouri but somehow stayed in touch with Bobby - without internet or cell phones! He sent me various recordings and videos of his professional career. Once Facebook launched, we stayed in touch constantly. When he posted he was playing again last November, I got excited and told him I would come out and see him play again. Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse and he could not play anymore. I told him I would keep my promise and came out to see him mid-March this year. I am so thankful I got to see him one last time. We spent a few hours reminiscing, sharing family stories as well as catching up for the first time in person in 40 years! I met his son Ryan who is a fine young man who cared for Bobby these last few months.

Please join me in helping Ryan with upcoming expenses. I don't think I ever paid to see Bobby play once so the least I can do is help his family out during this difficult time. Bob brought a lot of joy into our lives. Awesome guitar shredder, great friend and father. I hope we can take peace knowing Bob is no longer in pain. Heaven will be rocking with his presence. RIP my brother!