Lyle P. Dodd Jr., of Mansfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, June 10, 2024, after a valiant 16-month battle with cancer. He was 41 years old. A courageous warrior, he faced every challenge with grace and strength. Lyle was a true testament to those around him.
Born Lyle Patton Dodd Jr. on June 24, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois, he graduated from Lexington High School in 2001. Lyle served in the US Air Force. He received his Associate Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant from North Central State College and worked at Mohican Sports Medicine for 13 years. Lyle loved his job and was known for being great in both application of his skills and relating well with his patients.
Lyle managed the Lexington Youth Football league and was on the board for baseball. He volunteered to coach and performed all the necessary, behind the scenes tasks, that made the programs—football, baseball, softball, basketball and soccer—run smoothly. He was obviously an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching OSU football and catching up with friends. He had a collection of Jordan shoes that was special to him—and if he wore them, they were cleaned and put away spotless. One of his favorite spots to hang out was Grammie’s pool.
Someone many looked up to with admiration, Lyle was an intelligent, funny, compassionate man with a contagious smile. He loved his family and was especially invested in helping and guiding the youth of his community. He wasn’t afraid to show his love and he may smother you in hugs or slop a big wet kiss on your cheek if you were lucky. Always selfless, even in the face of his diagnosis, he put everyone’s needs above his own. Lyle believed that what you put out in the world comes back to you, so he always tried to put his best foot forward and remain positive.
Lyle was incredibly proud of his children. He was an encouraging voice and one of his most often said statements was “We’ll figure it out…we always do” and he applied this to all aspects of his life. He had an unshakeable conviction in Christ and was a faithful member of Fusion Church in Lexington.
He is survived by his wife, Tara (Scott) Dodd whom he married on August 27, 2011; children, Zayne, Quinton and Mya Dodd; mother, Lois Marzetti Dodd; grandmother, Wanda Marzetti; two brothers, Jeremy Dodd and Jason Rolphs; two sisters, Reaunna Dodd and Christina Crabill; mother-in-law, Chrisanna Scott; father-in-law, Robert Scott; two sisters-in-law, Sabrina Hoffman and Nicole (Troy) Wildman; nieces and nephews, Drake and Kainen Dodd, Rianne and Arriah Davis, Michael, Cameron, Gavin and McKenzee Dodd, and Jared Scott; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; his dog, Blaze; his cat, Peanut; and special friends who were like family.
Lyle was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Dodd Sr.; grandparents, William Marzetti, Cecil Dodd and Goldie Hayes; aunt, Loretta Bates; uncle, Hugh Hayes; and special battle buddy, Micah Galuzny.
A memorial service honoring the incredible life of Lyle will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Lexington High School Gymnasium, 103 Clever Lane, Lexington. Pastor Terry Garrett will conduct the service. He will be laid to rest in Bellville Cemetery at a future date. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Lexington Youth Sports. Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
Lyle did not want to be remembered as the guy who had brain cancer, but instead for the legacy he leaves behind. He left a special message for everyone:
“My days are numbered and I hate it, but it has also been a blessing. It has shown me how important life is and living. I always stressed the stupid stuff but life is one thing God gave us to prove who we are. I hope when I am gone everyone I came in contact with has a positive memory of me. I thank you all for loving me. You all have a personal presence in my life who made me, me. Thank you. I love you all and will miss you when I am gone”.
