Thomas Edward Lodge

Published 11:18 am Monday, April 30, 2018

July 26, 1945 – April 19, 2018

Thomas Edward Lodge, loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher and mentor, passed away peacefully April 19, 2018, surrounded by his family in Bend, Oregon.

Tom was born July 26, 1945, in Minerva, Ohio. Growing up, he spent much time with and was very close to his grandmother, Ada Bolen. He was active in baseball and basketball while living in Salem, Ohio, as a young teen and continued his love of sports throughout his life. In 1960, his family moved to Cambridge, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Dixie Secrest Lodge, in homeroom at Cambridge High School. The young couple graduated in 1963, after which they both pursued teaching degrees at Kent State University.

After graduating Kent State University with a B.S. in education in 1967, Tom and Dixie returned to Cambridge. In 1973, Tom completed his master’s degree at West Virginia University. During his lengthy career in the Cambridge City School district, Tom served as principal of three local elementary schools: Liberty, Park and Garfield. Under Tom’s leadership, Liberty was named an Ohio Right to Read School, while Park and Garfield both received the prestigious Ohio Hall of Fame award. He also spent 2 years as Cambridge’s first special education coordinator and finished his educational career as superintendent of city schools, retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service and recognition as a “Hometown Hero.

”In 2005, Tom and Dixie relocated to Central Oregon and bought Marcello’s Cucina Italiana in Sunriver. With the help of multiple family members, the restaurant became a huge success. Marcello’s remains in the family after Tom’s second retirement.

Retirement for Tom meant more time to read, to hike, to golf and to garden. But most of all, retirement meant more time with his 6 grandchildren, with whom he had a very special bond.

Tom had a strong sense of adventure. He always wanted to know what was on the other side of a hill or past the curve in the road. The family spent many years traveling around the country, hiking and camping during the summers. He never lost this drive to explore and try new things. He even went skydiving at the age of 70.

Tom was such a force of life. He battled multiple illnesses for decades, overcoming the odds repeatedly.Everyone who met Tom instantly knew he was a special guy. He was a compassionate and inspirational role model and he sought to make the world a better place each and every day of his life. He went out of his way to champion those less fortunate then he. Tom didn’t care who you were or from whence you came, as long as you could take a joke – his sense of humor was legendary. He had the friendliest smile, most infectious laugh and warmest hugs.

Tom was professionally involved in a number of organizations, including Academic Boosters, American Red Cross and Haven of Hope, but he excelled most at aiding people one-on-one. He had a gift for making people feel special, loved, cherished and supported.

Tom’s children meant the world to him – not just his sons and daughter with wife, Dixie, and not just his grandchildren; Tom’s children included the many unofficially adopted family members. Tom’s children included his employees and Tom’s children included each and every student he ever had. Tom’s children felt his love, grew from his encouragement and support, and they will continue to spread his light and love and laughter wherever they go.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Edward and Madeline Bolen Lodge; and by his beloved grandmother, Ada Bolen. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dixie Secrest Lodge; son, Joel Lodge (Lee) of Worthington, Ohio; daughter, Autumn Lodge Persinger (Charles) of Bend, Oregon; son, Thaddeus Lodge (Sacha) of Sunriver, Oregon; 6 grandchildren, Cole, Amelia and Zane Persinger; Paxton Lodge; and Sarah and Adam Lodge. He is also survived by his brothers, Cabot Lodge (Darcy) of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; and Randy Lodge (Kim) of Cambridge, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the Cambridge Alumni and Friends Fund, P.O. Box 820, Cambridge, Ohio 43725 or to Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Ct., Bend, Oregon 97702.