Darwin Christopher Dudley

East Lansing/Mason

Born August 15, 1916 in Hamilton County, southern Illinois to W. R. and Alma (Harris) Dudley died June 23, 2011 at home with his family.

Darwin attended Michigan State College on a football scholarship, where he received eight Varsity letters in track, boxing and football, playing in MSC’s first appearance in the Orange Bowl in 1937. After graduating from MSC in 1939, he served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was a pilot who flew and trained pilots in B-17 Bombers during WWII. Following his service to his country he opened several military surplus stores called The PX stores. He also managed the Vocational Rehabilitation Department for the State of Michigan and was a successful real estate investor.

Darwin touched many lives with his clever wit, great stories and sense of humor. He will be remembered for his many words of wisdom, the advice he shared with everyone and the love of his family.

Darwin was preceded in death by two wives, Helene and Helen and his brother Donald Dudley. Lovingly surviving are his wife Mary Violet (Bolla) Dudley and his children, Dennis (Suzanne), Dean, Donald, Mary, Christine, Terri (John), Debra (Nick), Lorri (Tom), Nicklos (Kristen), Daniel (Kimberly) and William (Karen). He was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and friends. A special thanks to Dr. L. Robert McElmurry and his staff for their wonderful care.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at Leek Cemetery, Dobie Road, Mason, MI following the service. Those wishing to make contributions in memory of Darwin may do so to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 3100-B West Road, Ste. 203, East Lansing, MI 48823 or University United Methodist Church. On line condolences may be made at: www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com