Edward Dodge

Leon Dodge, age 92, of Paducah, KY, passed away at 4:50 am on October 11, 2015 at Superior
Care Home.
Leon was retired from the Paducah City Fire Department with 38 years of service. Leon began his
career with the Fire Department on May 22, 1951 and was promoted to Engineer on September 4,
1954, then promoted to Captain on July 1, 1963. He began his work as Chief of the Fire
Department on November 10, 1971 and served in that position for 17 years until his retirement on
February 14, 1989. Under Chief Dodge's administration three new fire stations and a training
center were constructed, giving the City of Paducah the fire coverage needed. He lead his fire
department with distinction and worked diligently to obtain a third class insurance rating for the
city which brought a reduction in insurance premiums for the citizens of Paducah.
Leon was a member of First Christian Church of Paducah, Union Firefighters Association,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #217, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion
Chief Paduke Post #31. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a Duke of Paducah. Leon was the 2014
Veteran of the Year, Grand Marshall of the Labor Day Parade and was awarded the 2012
Distinguished Citizen Award in Paducah, KY. He served in the United States Army during World
War II.
He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Perdew of Paducah, KY, Lisa Chapman and husband Tony
of Hendersonville, TN; one son, John Floyd and wife Gina of Paducah, KY; six grandchildren, Jeff
Beach, Johnna Key, Creighton Floyd, Brandon Chapman, Chanyng Floyd and April Thomas; two
great-grandchildren, Leah and Aaron Beach.
Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Austin Dodge; son in law, Kermit Perdew; one sister,
Catherine Doughtry; one brother, Clifton Dodge. His parents were Charlie Dodge and Commie
Dodge.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Milner & Orr Funeral
Home of Paducah with Carl Holder officiating. Burial with Firefighter and Military Honors will
follow at Mapelawn Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Milner
& Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expression of sympathy may be made to the Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial Monument,
C/O Paducah Bank, 555 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message, light a candle or share a song tribute with the family at
www.milnerandorr.com.