Maynard Burnham Dodge entered his eternal life in Heaven with Jesus on July 29, 2020, departing this earthly life just a few weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Born on August 23, 1925 to the late Forrest and Cecil Lamphier Dodge, "Burnie" was survived by his beloved Meryl Ortte Dodge, his bride of 74 years (no typo!), his three children, Cynthia Dodge Teague (Terry), Gerald Maynard Dodge (Lynn), and Christopher Evan Dodge (Gina), as well as 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Burnie was predeceased by his sister, Gwendolyn Dodge Bourque.
After America’s entry into WWII, at 17 years of age, Burnie left his childhood home in Washington DC to enlist in the United States Navy. He primarily served as a signalman and gun-loader on merchant ships, traveling the world, as part of the Naval Armed Guard for, as he would say, “2 years, 8 months and 16 days.” After the War, benefitting from the GI Bill, Burnie attended the University of Maryland, graduated in 1949 from Tulane University, and thereafter remained in the New Orleans area, residing for many decades in River Ridge. Burnie was a long time member and deacon of New Orleans Bible Church. After working as a radio broadcaster, salesman, and business owner throughout the 1950s, he was elected to Metairie Bank’s Board of Directors in 1964, and thereafter faithfully attended nearly every Board meeting for the next 56 years. Burnie served as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors for as long as anyone can remember, and he also served as a Vice President at the Jefferson Highway Branch for decades until his retirement from daily banking in 2000. For many years now, Metairie Bank has bestowed annual “Burnie Awards” to its employees who have exhibited extraordinary service and devotion to the Bank, to fellow employees, and to Metairie Bank customers.
Other than spending time with Meryl and his extended family, Burnie’s passion was diving, camping, and sailing. In a well-lived life that extended nearly a century, Burnie was above all else, the quintessential “people person.” Always ready with a broad smile on his face and a friendly greeting in his voice, Burnie never met a stranger. Burnie was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, a true friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a private service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on August 4th. A memorial service will be held at Metairie Bank’s Main Branch to celebrate Burnie’s life at a later time when it is safe for all to gather together.
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