Douglas Chester Dodge 82, died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at his home in Springfield, VT.

He was born May 14,1939, in Lebanon, NH, a son of Chester and Marion (Roberts) Dodge. Douglas grew up in Wilder where he was active in the Boy Scouts and Civil Air Patrol. He graduated from Hartford High School, Class of 1957, before attending Dartmouth College. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Buffalo, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo School of Law. After practicing law in Rochester, NY, for a time, he began a career with the National Center for State Courts which took him to Colorado, Virginia and Pennsylvania. He also served as an administrator for the Federal court system in Brooklyn, NY, for several years. He was married to Maxine Woodworth of Lyndonville, NY, in 1961 and they had three sons together before later divorcing. Douglas was married to Rebecca Pierce Prue in 1998. They lived in Windsor and Wilder before moving to Springfield, VT, in 2003.          '

Douglas was a Lifetime Boy Scout. He was Troop Leader for troops of various levels in NY, VT, VA and NH, and worked in a professional capacity for the organization in Brooklyn, NY, for several years. While in VA, he also served in leadership capacities at the National Boy Scouts Jamboree. Douglas was also a runner and participated in several marathons in his younger years. He enjoyed camping as well as trips to Gettysburg and the Rockies.

Douglas remained a scholar and an avid reader all of his life. He took particular interest in the Civil War and World War II and greatly admired Sir Winston Churchill.

He was predeceased by a brother, Baxter Dodge, of Lake Jackson, TX, and a sister, Evelyn Palmer of Enfield Center, NH.

Douglas leaves his wife of 23 years, Rebecca, of Springfield, VT; sons Jeffrey Dodge of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Gregory Dodge (Tami) of Williamsburg, VA; Eric Dodge (Jen) of Glen Allen, VA; stepchildren Lori Prue-Bertone (Tony Bertone) of Springfield, VT, and William Prue (Mariel) of Manlius, NY; and daughter-in-law Darlene Dodge of Ashford, CT. He also leaves grandchildren Taylor, Mackenzie, Kylie, Katy and Emily Dodge; Ainsley, Ethan and Lorelei Bertone; Gwen, Grayson and Evie Prue, as well as four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Esther Anderson of Custer, KY, and Emily Santaw of Wilder, VT, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life is planned for next summer in Wilder.