R. Conrad Dodl Jr.

R. Conrad Dodl, Jr., P.E.

R. Conrad Dodl, Jr., P.E., son of Rudolph C. Dodl and Hazel Wealch born in Cumberland County, on December 29, 1924.

Conrad married Ernestine Ann Woodle on December 8, 1951 and together they enjoyed 57 happy years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son William A. Dodl and wife Scarlett Mustain, granddaughter Carmen Elaine Dodl. He was predeceased by his son, Rudolph. C. Dodl, III.

He is also survived by one sister, Patricia Link of Hampton and one brother, Deane W. Dodl of Lynchburg. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He graduated from John Randolph High School, Cumberland County, was a member of Hampden-Sydney College, Patrick Henry Society, class of 1946. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, a member of VPB 118 Squadron, flying missions in the Pacific. During one mission in Okinawa his plane was attacked by the Japanese, his plane landing in the ocean. He was one of seven survivors of 14 members of his squadron shot down in the mission and was the recipient of the Purple Heart.

He was a distinguished graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, class of 1950 Civil Engineering, being a member of Chi Epsilon. He was a Life Member VSPE (Virginia Society of Professional Engineers), a dedicated employee of Wiley and Wilson, an engineering firm in Lynchburg, retiring after 40 years service, as senior associate. He was past president and member of the Lynchburg Society of Professional Engineers, member of the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg, member of the board and various committees at Centenary United Methodist Church of which he was a faithful member.

Conrad enjoyed Smith Mountain Lake, travelling, and genealogy. From his travels and research he compiled a book about his ancestry from Augsburg, Germany. He was admired for his integrity, gentle nature and positive attitude.

The family will receive friends on July 26, 2009, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2009, at 1:00 PM in Centenary United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Ecklund officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503 or to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 823, Lynchburg, VA 24505.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Runk and Pratt Nursing Home and Hospice of the Hills for their tender loving care.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.