Donald Edward Lodge
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Donald Edward Lodge, age 88, died peacefully on Jan. 6, 2021. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa to George N. Lodge and Lucille Anna Nepras Lodge, he grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After completing his education at Franklin High and Coe College and following service in the Army in Austria and England, he earned a Masters Degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa. Work experience included the Iowa Department of Business Development, Georgia Tech, Boise Cascade, Inland Steel, the State Department of NY at Plattsburgh and the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. His work in economic development took him to the Philippines, South Korea, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Don had many accomplishments and talents. He was an Eagle Scout. An avid model railroader, he had a number of articles published in national rail magazines. His rail photos were published in four books. He replicated a model railroad of 1954 Cedar Rapids and eventually donated it to the Cedar Rapids Historical Society. An accomplished amateur photographer, his works were juried into a number of exhibits and galleries in Ohio and Georgia.
In Pickens county he and his wife were active in the Marble Valley Historical Society, Sharptop Arts and Crafts Association and Sassafras Literary Society. He was also an active volunteer in a multitude of capacities while in residence at Wesley Woods Towers in Decatur, GA.
A lifelong tinkerer, he was not afraid of DIY home projects including plumbing, electrical and renovation as well as auto repair. He passed his photography and tinkering interests and skills to his sons, all of whom are skilled photographers.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Darlene N. Lodge of Atlanta. His children from his first marriage to Jennifer Atchison (Atlanta), survive him: John (Terri) of Mandeville, LA; Jeffrey (Jenny Nicholson) of Alexandria, VA, Ann Hesskamp (Bob) of Atlanta, GA; Stuart Lodge of Atlanta and step daughters Lynnette Payne (John Moore); Sandra Payne; Karen Payne Morris (Matthew) and eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Donations in his honor may be made to Foundation of Wesley Woods, 1817 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta GA 30329