Richard Lewis Dudding

Richard Lewis Dudding passed peacefully into eternal rest on January 13, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at Hanson Hospice Center.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Deacon Michael Gallagher officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Friends may visit with the family Friday, January 16, 2015 from 5 PM until 8 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Hanson Hospice Care Center. Those wishing to sign Richard’s guestbook my do so online, www.starks-menchinger.com Richard was born on October 15, 1924 in Mishawaka, IN to Wilfred and Gladyce (Doolittle) Dudding.  Following graduation from Mishawaka, IN high school, he served in the US Marine Corp from 1943 – 1946, and was honorably discharged as a Staff sergeant. Richard began his long and distinguished career with American Electric Power Company Plant in Kendallville, IN and  Kammer Power Plant near Moundsville, WV.  He was plant manager the Woodcock Power Plant in Bluffton, OH.  Richard began work at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant in 1971 during construction. He retired in 1983, serving as maintenance superintendent at Cook Nuclear. After retirement, Richard supervised the revision of hydroelectric power generating facilities at the Berrien Springs dam.  Richard’s strong work ethic inspired his entire family. Richard enjoyed following the Pittsburg Pirates, the Chicago Cubs, and the fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  He took great joy in supporting all of his grandchildren in their academic and athletic endeavors.  His hobbies included fishing, antiquing, and he was an early adopter of computer technology.  He had a keen appreciation of nature and culture, which he shared with his family and friends.  He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and fresh outlook on life.  He had a special love for “good folk”.  On November 11, 2006, he married Carol Molpus Dudding.  Richard is survived by his wife Carol; children Patrick (Mary) Dudding, Susan (Howard) Goens, Sarah (Tom) Rose, and Cathy (Marc) Mavis; Grandfather of Rebecca (Bill) Widman, Anne (Ryan) Dudley, Teresa (Shane) Bowser,  Joseph Dudding;  Kyle Rohdy; Zachary Rose; Mike, Katie, and Jake Mavis; Great Grandfather of Owen, Lucas, Grace Widman, Rosemary and James Dudley. Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Georgianna Ley Dudding, and his brothers Charles and John.  The family greatly appreciates the extraordinary care provided by all staff at Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph and the Hanson Hospice Care Center.