It is with great sadness that NASBP announces the loss of our NASBP colleagues Derrell Christian Dodson, Dennis D. Flatness, and Richard Allen Moore, Jr.  We extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends.

Derrell Christian Dodson
September 6, 1942 — January 12, 2022

With great sadness NASBP announces the passing of NASBP Past President (1997-1998) Derrell Christian Dodson, 79, who dedicated his entire career to the surety industry and propelled his agency, Dodson-Bateman, into a well-respected and successful independent firm.

Sam Mullis of NASBP member Mullis Newbury Hurst said, “Derrell founded and established one of the most successful construction surety agencies in Texas. He was a great leader, salesman, and storyteller who enjoyed promoting his clients and surety partners through networking. Derrell was a NASBP visionary who mentored a younger generation into leadership. He loved serving our industry.”

Darrin J. Weber of NASBP member Weber Group Advisors said, “Derrell Dodson was a classy guy. He was instrumental in helping me and many of my peers succeed in the surety bond industry in Texas. His strong relationships with clients and underwriters was unique. He will always be known for his many ‘Derrellism’ sayings. We will miss a truly great guy and industry leader.”

Todd Loehnert of NASBP member L A Surety Solutions a division of Alliant Insurance Services said, “Derrell Dodson was the ultimate surety professional, and he played a major role in bringing in the future leadership of the NASBP at the turn of the 21st century. I will always remember Derrell’s calming demeanor, infectious smile, and Texas wit that he brought to all NASBP functions. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will never fade.”

NASBP President Tracy Tucker of NASBP member Tucker Agency said, “Derrell was a leader and legend in the north Texas surety construction and risk management world. He helped me become a NASBP member.”

Dan Pope, Mayor of the City of Lubbock and Derrell’s son-in-law, said, “Our world needs more men like Derrell Dodson. He was honest, humble, bright, funny, and loyal. You wanted him as your friend. He never forgot where he came from and those who helped shape him. I believe that was why he was so willing to mentor and encourage young businesspeople. I, for one, benefitted from DD’s wisdom and encouragement.”

After Derrell graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Finance, he and his wife, Teresa, moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he took a job with Aetna Life & Casualty in the surety bond department. Later, he moved back to the Dallas area. He remained in the industry his entire career, holding positions at St. Paul, Marsh McLennan, and The Ed Rose Agency before founding Rickenbacker-Dodson, and then Dodson-Bateman.

After selling Dodson-Bateman, Derrell donated his energy and skills to his newly adopted community, Graham, Texas. For his service to the Graham community, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

Derrell was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on September 6, 1942 to Ralph Jordan and Kitty Beth Christian. He was raised in Decatur, Texas, where he was a natural leader in his high school, playing basketball and quarterbacking the Decatur Eagles. When he was 17, the daughter of family friends caught his eye at the local swimming pool. Teresa Montgomery very soon became his wife, and the couple formed a partnership and true love affair that lasted a lifetime. Derry began his college years at The University of North Texas and was elected “best pledge” in the Theta Chi fraternity there. He completed his degree at The University of Texas. Derrell was fondly known as Double D, and his unique sense of humor was his most endearing trait. Anyone who knew Double D most likely has a favorite or two of his hilarious truisms.

Derrell was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Kitty Beth Dodson. He is survived and beloved by his wife of 59 years, Teresa; daughter Denise Pope and her husband Dan of Lubbock; son Drew Dodson and his wife Jana, of Richardson; grandchildren Manning Pope of Denton, Christian Dodson of Atlanta, GA, Anne Claire Pope of Lubbock, Mark Dodson of Richardson, Wesley Dodson of Richardson, and James Dodson of Richardson; and by his brother, David Dodson of Decatur, and his sister, Nell Ann McBroom of Nocona.

A celebration of Derrell’s life was held at First United Methodist Church, Decatur, Texas, in mid-February. Donations may made in Derrell’s honor to Virginia’s House/CASA, 729 Elm Street, Graham, Texas 76450 at www.virginiashousetx.org or to the donor’s charity of choice. Friends and colleagues of Derrell may extend condolences to Derrell’s wife, Teresa, at the following:

Teresa Dodson
PO Box 2073
Decatur, TX 76234
cell: 214.226.1247
email: trsdodson@gmail.com

View an online obituary for Derrell here: obits.dallasnews.com/us/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/name/derrell-dodson-obituary?id=32305402, and consider sharing a story or memory with the family.

Dennis D. Flatness
May 5, 1946 — January 7, 2022

It is with great sadness that NASBP announces the passing of NASBP Past President (1994-1995) Dennis Flatness, 75, of NASBP member USI Insurance of St. Louis, formerly Welsch Flatness & Lutz, Inc. (WFL). Dennis was Co-founder, President, and CEO of WFL, which he started on a ping-pong table in his walk-out basement with his two partners, Denny Lutz and Tom Welsch. After nearly four decades of success and growth, the agency had grown to 54 employees at its headquarters in downtown St. Louis, which was sold in 2013 to USI Insurance Services.

Denny Lutz, who was Dennis’ business partner and Senior Vice President of NASBP member USI Insurance, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri, said, “He was my friend and partner for 45 years. He was a great advocate for the surety industry!”

NASBP Past President (2003-2004) Matt Cashion of NASBP member Cashion Company said, “Dennis was a solid, Midwestern guy. He mentored our association’s next generation of leaders (including myself), sometimes with difficult messages, one of which I heeded and benefited greatly from. Under Dennis’ leadership, NASBP moved forward with new branding (our last logo was a result of his presidency) and facing new challenges (subcontractor default insurance). He and Miss Jean were always exceptionally kind and gracious to Susan and myself every time we met. I know that Denny and the old WFL crew will greatly miss his humor and leadership.”

Terry Lukow, a retired executive of NASBP affiliate Travelers, said “Dennis Flatness and I met in 1982 when I was transferred to St. Louis as Bond Manager for Aetna. When I think of Dennis, these things come to mind: loved his family, absolute integrity, loved the surety business, and respected his business associates. I have seen Dennis take actions for his accounts that were not what the account wanted because he felt it was the wrong move for the long term. He felt strongly his main job was to keep his clients in business. As my role changed in the industry so did Dennis’. He became a leader as President of the NASBP and did an excellent job leading the organization to a new level. He was a friend first to me, and I will miss him.”

Tom Cassady of NASBP member USI Insurance Services in Cincinnati, Ohio said, “Dennis was one of the most professional, hardworking, insightful insurance professionals I ever had the pleasure to work with. He was always positive when I was with him. When he and his partners were selling WFL, he chose USI, because he saw the value in what we offered for his clients. Many sellers say that, but Dennis really believed it. My heart and prayers go out to his family and to the many loyal colleagues and clients who knew him well.”

Dean Eggerding of NASBP member USI Insurance Services in St. Louis, Missouri, said, “Many of us worked and knew Dennis for many years, and I can honestly say he was one of the smartest people I have ever met.”

NASBP Past President (1993-1994) John Hoffman said, “Dennis Flatness impacted countless dimensions of my life, and for that I consider myself one helluva lucky man. NASBP created the environ for our paths to cross. However, a brotherhood was created by a mutual reverence for our profession, love of family, a passion for golf, and our competitive joy after winning $10 from each other on a football bet. Dennis was pivotal when I came to a crossroads with my largest surety client. I called him with my dilemma. In vintage Flatness style, he worked quickly to open the door to the only surety company that could resolve the issue to ensure a strong future for this family business. What could have been a waterloo resulted in enormous success. Today, the contractor is still represented by this surety. Dennis was dogged about making good things happen, especially for his friends. In September 2001, I visited Dennis and his wife, Jean, to officiate a USGA tournament at Dennis’ golf club. During my stay, life changed…it was September 11^th. Unable to return home to Buffalo, I occupied their guest room much longer than expected. My extended stay gave us time to talk, really talk. We joked that, since there were no flights or rental cars available for weeks, Dennis finally bought me a car so he could send me home. I say with great sadness and incredible gratitude, I am honored that this surety bond industry icon was also my remarkable friend.”

Dennis is survived by his wife Jean; his children John (Jolene) and Jennifer; his grandchildren Michael, Max, and Miles; his brother Mike (Cheryl); his nephews Christopher (Jenny) and Phillip (Megan); and his grand cat, Cody. (Although Dennis claimed not to like cats, he made an exception for Cody.)

Given the public health conditions, a celebration of Dennis will be held at a later date. Donations or gifts in his honor can be made to one of the following groups, which were among Dennis’s favorites: Forest Park Forever, www.forestparkforever.org; St. Patrick’s Center, www.stpatrickcenter.org; St. Louis Cathedral Concerts, cathedralconcerts.org; and his alma matter, Luther College of Decorah, IA, www.luther.edu.

View an online obituary for Dennis here: www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/stltoday/name/dennis-flatness-obituary?id=32182130 and consider sharing a story or memory with the family.

Richard Allen Moore, Jr.
April 18, 1967 — January 9, 2022

NASBP was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of NASBP activist Richard Allen Moore, Jr., 54, Regional Director of NASBP affiliate AON Risk Services of Chicago, who dedicated his 32-year career to the surety industry.

Greg Morin of NASBP member Lockton Companies LLC said, “My first thought when I hear the name Rich Moore is his infectious laugh, you can’t mistake it for anyone else. His unique golf swing comes to mind, as well! He was a good friend, loving and proud father to his two daughters, and a heck of a smart surety guy. All of us in the business are better for his mentoring abilities and knowledge. We would reminisce on occasion about our time together at Reliance years ago and laugh about the fact he was my Home Office Underwriter for a few years…those were interesting times for sure! He will be missed by many. Thank you, Rich, for all the good times.”

Chris Borre of NASBP affiliate IAT Insurance Group said, “Rich was simply one of the smartest, and probably the funniest brokers in our business. He loved the surety business, and the surety business loved him. Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees, we will all miss Rich’s laugh, his ability to make us all laugh, and his ‘unique’ sense of humor. But not only was Rich funny, he was simply a great broker. He knew this business like no other, and yet, he was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Rich will surely be missed as both a colleague and a friend, but we will all especially miss his unmatched wit.”

Jeff Leadley of NASBP affiliate AON said, “Rich was a great mentor and teacher to so many in the industry. He enjoyed teaching others and watching others succeed. Rich had a passion for the business and genuinely enjoyed all of the close friendships and relationships along the journey. His sense of humor and personality were unique, and he had the ability to make everyone smile or laugh. As much as Rich was a great professional, even greater was his love for his children. Raising his two daughters brought him the most joy and he was happy to talk about how proud he was of their accomplishments. Rich will be missed dearly by all who knew him.”

After graduating in 1986 from Dulaney High School, Timonium, Maryland, Richard went on to attend James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, from which he graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor in Business Administration in Economics & Finance.

Richard started his surety career working as an underwriter of commercial surety for USF&G in Baltimore, Maryland. Then, in 1993 he relocated to the Chicago area to work for Reliance Insurance as an underwriter in commercial and contract surety until in 2000 when he was hired at AON Risk Services of Chicago as a Regional Director, where he remained for 22 years until his passing.

Richard was the beloved son of the late Richard A. Moore Sr. and June E. Moore; cherished father of Emily E. Moore and Lauren I. Moore; dear brother of Linda A. Lambert and her husband Mark E. Lambert and of Christine J. Moore and her husband Robert G. Bartolo.

In January, the family received friends at the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc., Timonium, MD and provided a celebration of Richard’s life. The family asks that donations in Richard’s honor be made to The Vitalogy Foundation (founded by Pearl Jam) at pearljam.com/vitalogy/get-involved and/or to St Mary of Gostyn Parish at stmarygostyn.churchgiving.com.

View an obituary for Richard here: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/timonium-md/richard-moore-10521425, and consider sharing a story or memory with the family.