John M. Dudley 1936-2020
BERLIN CENTER — John M. Dudley, 84, died Monday evening, Dec. 28, 2020, at The Cleveland Clinic, with his family by his side, following a short illness.
John was born Feb. 23, 1936, in Berlin Center, a son of the late Jesse and Alice Hartzell Dudley, and was a lifelong area resident.
He graduated from Berlin Center High School in 1954, and following high school, enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.
He had been a heavy equipment operator for the Operating Engineers Local No. 66 until he retired. He was a 35-year member of the Berlin Township Fire Department, where he had served as fire chief for four years. He also managed his own small farm, raising cattle and grain farming.
John was a member of Berlin Center United Methodist Church, a life member of the Lake Milton American Legion, Post No. 737, 55-year member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 66 and also a member of their Retirees Club.
John enjoyed flying and had his pilot’s license in the 70s. He wintered in Naples, Fla., for the past 25 years, where he enjoyed the sun and walks on the beach.
He leaves his wife, the former Nancy Bricker, whom he married June 2, 1957; two daughters, Pamela (James) Evans of Berlin Center and Janice (James) Kovalcheck of Aurora; four grandchildren, James (Bethany) Evans, Eric Evans, Rebecca Kovalcheck and Amanda Kovalcheck; and two great-grandchildren, Claire and Holly Sue. John also leaves his sister, Nina Lietzow of Niles, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by an infant sister, Shirley; a sister, Laura Lindesmith; and a brother, Jesse Dudley Jr.
Private services will be held for the family.
The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Berlin Township Fire Department, 15801 W. Akron-Canfield Road, Berlin Center, OH 44401.
Friends and family may view this obituary and give their condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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