Charles Phillip Dodge, (known by some as Charlie, Chuck or Phil) passed away on November 4, 2018 at his home with his devoted loving wife Sally Dodge by his side. Charles struggled with cancer for the second time, after 17 years of being cancer free.
Charles was born on November 12, 1933 to Herbert (known as Nelson) and Ethel (Norton) Dodge in Canton, Illinois. He attended High School in Galesburg, Illinois and graduated in 1950 and approximately a year after graduation, enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy boot camp he received a draft card from the Army, but he had already been enlisted with the Navy and continued his outstanding service with them.
Charles was a Korean and Vietnam war Veteran in the United States Navy for twenty years (1951 - 1971). Charles meet his wife Sally while stationed in Seattle, Washington and after a week, knew this woman was the one and married her on June 25, 1955 and from there their life together stood the changes and challenges of time for Sixty-Three blissful years.
Charles is survived by wife Sally Dodge, his brother Richard Dodge and his sister Mary (Dodge) Buncher. His children: Diana Mast, Leland Dodge, Kimberly Clay, and Michael Dodge. His Grandchildren: Michael Young, Jr., Casey Mast, Serena Dodge, Devon Dodge, Jessica Mast, and Kylie Dodge. His Great Grandchildren: Lillyanna Young, Annalynn Young, Brylee Mast, and Austin Dodge. Charles loss his sister Charlotte (Dodge) Allan, on November 26, 2017.
Charles was an USN HONORABLE service member. He served on his first ship the USS Missouri (BB-63) and assisted with its decommission in 1955, in Seattle, Washington. Charles then served on the, USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Essex (CV-9) and assisted with its decommission in 1969, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), and the USS Prairie (AD-15). During his dedicated service with the USN he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal “Europe”, Second Good Conduct Award Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal – BRONZE STAR, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
After his retirement from the USN in 1971, Charles had a desire to own his own business. He did various jobs before becoming partners in the Solar Pool Cover business and then became the Sole Proprietor of Pool Covers Unlimited in Santee, California. Charles was a dedicated trusted business owner for over 30 years. His customers were completely satisfied with his exceptional business ethics and continued with his services for years.
Charles pride and joy, the outdoor life with his family by going on camping trips and being able to fish the many lakes and streams along their adventures. His passion was riding his Harley, the excitement of taking his wife on early morning motorcycle rides through mountains or along oceans and stop for coffee enjoying the peaceful
moments together and the thrill of the freedom their Harley rides gave them. He loved passing the time watching old classic war movies or cowboy movies with his wife Sally. Charles listened to Country music, mostly Johnny Cash. Charles off the wall song: You Get a Line and I Get a Pole and We’ll Go Down to the Crawdad hole, Honey ’O Babe ’O my. Nothing but love for this man.
Charles was a one of a kind man who touched everyone’s life in a unique way. A thrill seeker with a sense of humor that took you off guard and left you with a smile. A man who went around the world more than once. The stores he has told and the memories he has left are a blessing and will be cherished for years. He is admired and loved in so many ways by his devoted wife and children, his physical presence will be missed, but his love for his family will be kept close to their hearts.
Charles will be able to enjoy the sounds of the jet engines taking off and landing at his resting place. As he had an unremarkable interest in planes.
Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Cancer Society and/or Alzheimer Research in the name of Charles Phillip Dodge.
Our Harley Days
Our Rides… Our Adventures…
Our Family and Friends…
Traveling free and easy down a road that never ends…
It’s all about the journey, not the destination…
Johnny Cash
I walk the line… through a ring of fire…
He lived a life of Pride and Honor
His family will never forget and will always remember the love he has given to each one of us.
God Blessed you CHARLES PHILLIP DODGE... Now Rest in Peace…
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