DUDGEON

Donald R. Dudgeon, age 94, passed away at his home near Mendon 

on Thursday, February 17, 2022.   

Born December 5, 1927, in Waynesfield, Ohio, he was the only 

son of Dennis Dorcas & 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; 

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 (Carol) Watts of Marion, Ohio and Helen (Dale) 

Stein of San Antonio, Texas, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by 3 sisters: Chloe (Glenn) Butler, Mildred 

(Bob) Freewalt, and 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 an assistant mail carrier.  Throughout his lifetime, Donnie was very 

active in 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.  Being a very involved 

parishioner, he assisted with many church activities and served at various times 

as a Church Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, Committee Member, Song 

Leader and Office Holder. 

Donnie's community involvement included serving as a Union Township Trustee 

and on the Mendon-Union School Board.  He was a member of the Mendon Band 

Boosters and Mercer Grange, and also active in Farm Bureau.  

Donnie was a Charter Member of the Mendon Lions Club, and participated in 

their annual Plays, 4th of July Celebrations, and many other Lions projects.  

He was active with the Mercer County Council on Aging.  Donnie also enjoyed 

and took part in the Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Show in Portland, Indiana 

and Buckeye Farm Antiques in Wapakoneta.

Donnie was an active outdoorsman, enjoying coon hunting, camping, and spending 

time at Clear Lake, Indiana with his family.  He had also enjoyed and participated  

in a number of sporting activities, including: softball, boxing, Home Run Derby, and

flat track racing.

A very outgoing person, Donnie could light up a room with his presence.  He was 

known to be a jokester, having 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  

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 or Community Health Professionals Hospice.

Condolences can be expressed to the Dudgeon family 

at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of 

W.H. Dick & Sons - Hellwarth Funeral Home of Mendon.