Lee Eugene Dodge's Obituary
Lee Dodge, 90, beloved father, husband, son, brother, entertainer, veteran passed away at Bridgewater Assisted Living Facility at Waterman Retirement Village in Mt Dora, Florida, on April 9, 2017. Always engaging in his community, Lee gave tirelessly of himself to make our world a better place. He gave of his time and talent to the First Presbyterian Church of Mt Dora since moving to Mt Dora in 2004. He was also well-known and respected in Waterman Village, a resident for the past 4 years, as the singer for the band, "The Over the Hill Gang," formed by musician and Waterman resident, Ron Green. Lee was appreciated for his memorable celebratory birthday bashes, commemorating his 88th and 89th birthdays. Bud, as those who knew him well called him, had 2 major loves of his life besides his family: The United States Marine Corps and music. Serving in the military as a marine, he enlisted in January 1945 and served 4 years in the South Pacific and in China. His love for his country never wavered, and he was proud until the end to be a United States Marine. Lee Eugene Dodge was born in Swain, New York, on February 26, 1927 to Mary E. and Lee A. Dodge. Preceding him in death are sisters Phyllis Dodge Hubbard and Joan Dodge Britton. Surviving siblings include Doris Dodge of Chula Vista, California and John Anthony Dodge of Webster, New York. After serving in WWII, Lee attended college at New York State University in Alfred, NY and received a degree in agricultural engineering. He began his career working for Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY, where he, his wife Marilyn Ordway Dodge (deceased) and children, Lynette Dodge Hogrefe of Lebanon, Ohio and Bradlee Eugene Dodge of Orlando, were raised. After moving to Simsbury, Connecticut and then Hudson, Ohio, Lee ended his career as Director of Administration for the city of Dunedin, Florida, from 1984-1994. He was also known there as a "Song and Dance Man," as well as Mr Delightful Dunedin. In his 10-year tenure with the city, Lee was recognized for his work as a member of the Dunedin Lions Club, the Historical Society and the Fine Arts Center. Lee recorded 2 CDs of big band music at Phantom City Studios in Orlando, Florida in 2014 and 2015. He will be greatly missed in his community. The Dodge family has started a scholarship fund in Lee's name to honor his legacy in music and the performing arts with Artisans on Fifth. Donations to the Lee Dodge Memorial Scholarship Fund are gladly accepted. Checks should be made out to the non-profit Artisans on Fifth (memo line should say Lee Dodge Scholarship fund) at PO Box 1932, Mt Dora, FL 32756. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Dora. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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