August 28, 2019 800 PM
MARFA — When the custodian was absent, and the floors at Marfa Elementary needed to be cleaned, Ellen Weed-Anderson, a teacher at school, knew who would pitch in.
The answer: A sweet 11-year-old boy named Zechariah Dodson, who was killed in a car accident near Paisano Pass on August 22. (See: “Marfa student dies in rollover accident.”)
“Zech and I would be the custodian,” Weed-Anderson said, describing the boy as a hard worker who “never complained.”
“I wish I had 100 of them,” Weed-Anderson said later. “I could handle those kinds of kids.”
As students returned to classes at the Marfa Independent School District on Monday, some grappled with the death of their friend and classmate, Zechariah Dodson, 11.
Also grieving: His teachers, who wished the respectful young boy was returning to school with them.
Crystal Amaro, one of his 5th grade teachers, remembered his contagious smile. Another, Connie Davidson, remembered how he would tag along behind her, “like my shadow.”
“He was super giving,” Davidson added. “He made things for me and the other kids all of the time.”
Zechariah is survived by four siblings, as well as by his parents, Billy and Rena — neither of whom apparently wished to speak with The Big Bend Sentinel at this time.
His family called him Ray. Weed-Anderson preferred Zecha-Ray-ah. He sometimes called himself “Catboy” after the character in the children’s show “PJ Masks,” the teachers said.
His favorite food was pizza, they said. He tended to the school garden. He loved stuffed animals and often had one attached to his backpack. He was a “family man” and a “protector of his little brothers.” And he was incredible — absolutely incredible — at kickball.
All three teachers agreed: Billy and Rena had helped make Zechariah the wonderful boy he was. “He was a testament to his parents,” Weed-Anderson said.
Oscar Aguero, superintendent of the Marfa Independent School District, said Zechariah “brought a smile to everyone every morning,” and would be missed.
In a statement, Marfa ISD said it is “deeply saddened” by the loss of a student. Six grief counselors were placed at school on Monday.
At Friday’s football game, around 7 p.m., there will be a moment of silence and a balloon release.
On Saturday, at 10 a.m., Zechariah’s funeral will be held at First Baptist Church in Alpine.
