In Memory Of
Gene Edward Dodson
1930
2023
Gene Edward Dodson
November 23, 1930 — August 12, 2023
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Gene Edward Dodson died peacefully at home in the arms of his loving wife, with his eldest daughter and nurse by his side. Gene was born November 23, 1930 in Akron, Ohio, and his life ended much as it began, full of life and love for the Lord and his family. A devoted Christian, Gene could be found many days at church always helping with something or fixing things. The middle child of three, Gene was preceded in death by his parents Morris & Beulah Dodson, sisters Betty Plaster and Sue Friend, In-laws, George and Martha Hogue, many brothers and sisters-in-law, son-in-law Larry Zurcher, and grandson Andrew Dodson.
The Akron Garfield graduate met and married the love of his life of 72 years, Charlotte Hogue, from Kentucky, while she was visiting her sister in Gene's hometown. At the time, Gene was working at the local grocery, and by nothing other than pure fate, was sweeping the sidewalk as Charlotte passed by. Gene and Charlotte were married April 20, 1951, and shortly after moved to France, where Gene was stationed for the US Army. When Gene's tour of duty ended, he and Charlotte settled down in Manchester, a small suburb of Akron, Ohio, where their five children grew up and attended school in Manchester. Gene and Charlotte's legacy begins with Marty Zurcher, followed by Beth (Jim) Morehart, Kimberly Hartman, Keith (Linda) Dodson, and Kelly (Debbie) Dodson. During their 50 years in that same small town, their children participated in many Manchester school activities and Panther sports. Gene was a founding member of the Panther Paws, and together with his wife, they supported every election and levy during their time in Manchester. Until the day he died, Gene followed all Panther sports, loved to watch University of Kentucky basketball, Ohio State football, and always had the television tuned to a gospel show.
After Gene's children were grown, "Gino" as people called him, became "Pa," and together with his "Mimi," they were blessed with 12 grandchildren; Wendy (Franco) Grilla, Jamie Hunt, Keri Morehart, Ben (Dedra) Hartman, Jud (Angela) Hartman, Lindsay (Daniel) Zinzow, Sally Jo (Mark) Shackelford, Emily (Michael) Hartman-Fiedler, Lydia (Brandon) Moore, Abbie Dodson, Lauren (Mike) Tortorella and Lindsey Tomello. Pa has 27 great grandchildren; Sophia, Luca, Bailey, Reagan, Aidan, Naomi, Madison, Zavier, Mckinley, Kerrigan, Emerson, Lilly, Lucy, Charlie, Liza Mae, Henry, Lydia, Lainey, Claire, Hudson, Graham, Reid, Molly Jo, Felix, Freddie, Declan, and Addelyn. Pa loved the Lord first and foremost, but not much else came before his family. Pa and Mimi split time between Akron and Orlando, Florida, for many years after retirement from Continental Tire/General Tire Research & Development. In 2016 they decided to become full-time Floridians, where they became prominent members of their community. Gene lived out his days in their "gingerbread house," as Charlotte so affectionately called it.
Nothing can ever replace the love Gene so freely gave his family and friends, his faith is a true testament and embodiment of goodness, and his unwavering commitment to Charlotte is a true inspiration. Pa will be missed by many friends. But it is his family who have lost their Patriarch, one that guided and blessed each one daily. Pa will always remain deeply loved and greatly missed, but it was a beautiful day when God called up one of his Earthly Angels, and welcomed Gene Edward Dodson home into His Heavenly arms.
The family wishes to thank AdventHealth Hospice Green Team, in particular LaDonna and Tamara, and Karin and Mideline, his Granny Nannies, for their loving care and support the last several months.
A Celebration of Gene's life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT, Christ Community Chapel, 750 W Streetsboro St, Hudson, OH 44236. For those not able to attend in person, you may prayerfully attend via live stream at https://tinyurl.com/GeneDodson . In lieu of flowers the family requests donations, in the name of Gene Edward Dodson, to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44308, havenofrest.org. Newcomer - East Orlando, is assisting the family - www.newcomerorlando.com
The Akron Garfield graduate met and married the love of his life of 72 years, Charlotte Hogue, from Kentucky, while she was visiting her sister in Gene's hometown. At the time, Gene was working at the local grocery, and by nothing other than pure fate, was sweeping the sidewalk as Charlotte passed by. Gene and Charlotte were married April 20, 1951, and shortly after moved to France, where Gene was stationed for the US Army. When Gene's tour of duty ended, he and Charlotte settled down in Manchester, a small suburb of Akron, Ohio, where their five children grew up and attended school in Manchester. Gene and Charlotte's legacy begins with Marty Zurcher, followed by Beth (Jim) Morehart, Kimberly Hartman, Keith (Linda) Dodson, and Kelly (Debbie) Dodson. During their 50 years in that same small town, their children participated in many Manchester school activities and Panther sports. Gene was a founding member of the Panther Paws, and together with his wife, they supported every election and levy during their time in Manchester. Until the day he died, Gene followed all Panther sports, loved to watch University of Kentucky basketball, Ohio State football, and always had the television tuned to a gospel show.
After Gene's children were grown, "Gino" as people called him, became "Pa," and together with his "Mimi," they were blessed with 12 grandchildren; Wendy (Franco) Grilla, Jamie Hunt, Keri Morehart, Ben (Dedra) Hartman, Jud (Angela) Hartman, Lindsay (Daniel) Zinzow, Sally Jo (Mark) Shackelford, Emily (Michael) Hartman-Fiedler, Lydia (Brandon) Moore, Abbie Dodson, Lauren (Mike) Tortorella and Lindsey Tomello. Pa has 27 great grandchildren; Sophia, Luca, Bailey, Reagan, Aidan, Naomi, Madison, Zavier, Mckinley, Kerrigan, Emerson, Lilly, Lucy, Charlie, Liza Mae, Henry, Lydia, Lainey, Claire, Hudson, Graham, Reid, Molly Jo, Felix, Freddie, Declan, and Addelyn. Pa loved the Lord first and foremost, but not much else came before his family. Pa and Mimi split time between Akron and Orlando, Florida, for many years after retirement from Continental Tire/General Tire Research & Development. In 2016 they decided to become full-time Floridians, where they became prominent members of their community. Gene lived out his days in their "gingerbread house," as Charlotte so affectionately called it.
Nothing can ever replace the love Gene so freely gave his family and friends, his faith is a true testament and embodiment of goodness, and his unwavering commitment to Charlotte is a true inspiration. Pa will be missed by many friends. But it is his family who have lost their Patriarch, one that guided and blessed each one daily. Pa will always remain deeply loved and greatly missed, but it was a beautiful day when God called up one of his Earthly Angels, and welcomed Gene Edward Dodson home into His Heavenly arms.
The family wishes to thank AdventHealth Hospice Green Team, in particular LaDonna and Tamara, and Karin and Mideline, his Granny Nannies, for their loving care and support the last several months.
A Celebration of Gene's life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT, Christ Community Chapel, 750 W Streetsboro St, Hudson, OH 44236. For those not able to attend in person, you may prayerfully attend via live stream at https://tinyurl.com/GeneDodson . In lieu of flowers the family requests donations, in the name of Gene Edward Dodson, to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44308, havenofrest.org. Newcomer - East Orlando, is assisting the family - www.newcomerorlando.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gene Edward Dodson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
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