Charles Eugene Dudding

Charles E. “Gene” Dudding, 94, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. Gene was born on December 30, 1931 in Red House, West Virginia. He was lovingly raised in Poca, West Virginia by his devoted grandparents, Robert (RA) and Rosa Pringle, whose guidance and love helped shape the man he became. As a young man, Gene, excelled in athletics and was an All-State football player for Poca High School. He proudly played on Poca High School’s first State Championship football team in 1950, a milestone that remained a source of pride throughout his life. Following high school, Gene answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps.Gene served in the Korean War where he was assigned the role of number one driver for the division tank commander demonstrating courage, dedication and honor in service to his country. He was honorably discharged in 1955.After returning home, Gene began a long and successful career with Ford Motor Company in Brookpark, Ohio, retiring after 35 years of service. Gene had a very competitive nature and enjoyed playing golf, bowling, horseshoes, turkey shoots and any card game. Gene was an avid sports fan and rarely missed cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and most importantly The Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team. Above all, Gene was devoted to his family. He treasured time spent with those he loved and quietly helped many in need, never seeking recognition for his kindness. He is survived by his daughters Rosemarie (Kenneth) Stout and Lonnie (Todd) Weekley, grandson Nicholas (Amanda) Weekley, granddaughter Audrey Stout and granddaughter-in-law Ava Carlson Weekley, brother Roger Leffingwell, sister Juanita “Cheetah” Thomas, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. In addition to his grandparents, Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ruby Dudding, grandson Brandon Weekley, mother Ida Marie Dudding, father John C Dudding, brothers John and Bobby Joe “Shake”, sisters Ruby, Doris and Shirley “Nan.” Funeral Services will be July 19, 2026 at 1pm at Palestine Baptist Church 4015 Palestine Road, Glenwood, West Virginia with burial immediately following at Pete Meadows Cemetery, Glenwood West Virginia. Reverend Ronald M. Long will officiate. Visitation with the family will be held at the home of Gene’s daughter Rose Dudding Stout on Friday, July 17 from 5-7pm. For details, please reach out to Rose or Lonnie via Facebook

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria.Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com