Donald R. Dudgeon

Donald R. Dudgeon, age 94, passed away at his home near Mendon on Thursday, February 17, 2022.

Born on December 5, 1927, in Waynesfield, Ohio, he was the only son of Dennis Dorcas and Blanche Jane (Edminston) Dudgeon.

Through the years, he was known as "Donnie" "Dudge" or "Jake".

Donnie and Joann Watts were united in marriage on August 10, 1947; this year would have been their 75th Anniversary.  

Joann survives, along with their 5 children: Rodney L. (Mary Ann) Dudgeon of Venedocia, Vicki L. (Doug) Derossett of Mendon, DeDe (Dave) Stoner of Celina, Jody (Ken) Rusche of Mason, and Vivian (Terry) Bransteter of Celina, as well as 10 grandchildren: Brett Derossett, Michelle Cheesman, Wesley Dudgeon, Katie Poniatowski, Travis Bransteter, Trever Bransteter, Tara Patterson, Trisha Knapke, Jacqui Stoner and Traci Dues, 23 great grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, In-laws Willis D. (Carol) Watts of Marion, Ohio and Helen L. (Dale) Stein of San Antonio, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by 3 sisters: Chloe (Glenn) Butler, Mildred (Bob) Freewalt, and an infant, Flo Dudgeon, a grandson, Trent Bransteter and great grandson, Cody James.  

A member of the Mendon-Union High School Class of 1945, Donnie left school before graduating to help on the family farm.  He was a dairy farmer, and also had served as an assistant mail carrier.  Throughout his lifetime Donnie was a very active member of his church and community.  

Donnie was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church and proud of the fact that he attended church there for all of his 94 years. He was very involved as a parishioner, serving at various times as Sunday School Superintendent, Committee Member, Office Holder, Song Leader, Church Trustee and assisted with many church activities.

Donnie's community involvement included serving as a Union Township Trustee, Mendon-Union School Board and Mendon Band Boosters member. He was also an active Farm Bureau member and a member of the Mercer Grange.  Donnie was a Charter Member of the Mendon Lions Club and a participant in the annual Lions Club Plays, 4th of July Celebrations as well as other Lions projects.  

He was also active with the Mercer County Council on Aging. Other organizations that Donnie enjoyed and participated in were the Portland Engine Show in Portland, Indiana and Buckeye Farm Antiques in Wapakoneta.  

An active outdoorsman, Donnie enjoyed coon hunting, camping and spending time at Clear Lake, Indiana with his family.  He participated and enjoyed several sporting activities: softball, boxing, Home Run Derby and flat track racing.  

Donnie was a very outgoing person and could light up a room with his presence.  He was known to be a jokester with countless stories of his escapades.  Donnie will be deeply missed by his family, friends, community and all whose lives he touched.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 27, at the Mendon United Methodist Church.  Officiating Pastor Rob Glenn; participating Pastors Charles Martindell and Don Clinger. 

In Donnie's honor, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mendon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 345, Mendon, Ohio 45862 or Community Health Professionals Hospice, 816 Pro Drive, Celina, Ohio 45822.

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