Col. H. "Bernie" Bernard Lodge

H. Bernard �Bernie� Lodge was born in Kokomo, Indiana and was promoted to Glory on September 7, from Golfview Healthcare Center in St. Petersburg, one month shy of his 101st birthday. In 1931 he married Myrtle Compton and together they entered The Salvation Army Training College in Chicago in 1937 and ordained and commissioned with the rank of P/Captains one year later. After serving in several corps appointments in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri he was placed in administrative positions, including seven years as Divisional Youth Leader. In 1972 Bernie was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel, and along with his wife, appointed as Territorial Evangelists until their retirement in 1977. During this time they traveled most of the United States and other countries conducting evangelistic services. Lt. Colonel Lodge received numerous honors, including an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from his alma mater, Indiana Christian University; the Hixon Award from Kiwanis International, of which he was a member for nearly 70 years; and he was named Super Senior of the Year in 2003 by the Florida State Council on Aging. In 1959 he attended The Salvation Army International College for Officers in London, England. In his retirement years, he continued in ministry and service in The Salvation Army as Development Director in St. Petersburg and southern Pinellas County. He organized a senior drop-in program called the Young at Heart Club, a group of 80 seniors who enjoyed outings, service projects and a variety of activities. He gave leadership to the choir, played in the brass band, played many musical instruments, conducted Bible Study and provided programs in numerous service clubs and churches. Survivors include one daughter, Audrey Oechsle; two sons, Cabot (Loretta), Steve (Cindy); one daughter-in-law, Lt. Colonel Nita Lodge; eight grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; one step daughter, Sandra, and step grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 62 years, Myrtle; second wife of 8 years, Ruth; and son, Lt. Colonel Herb Lodge. Visitation will be held at R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home, 3530 � 49th St. N. St. Petersburg, from 5-7PM on Tuesday, September 10, and funeral, Wednesday, September 11, 10AM at The Salvation Army, 3800 � 9th Avenue North, St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to The Salvation Army, 3800 � 9th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Fl. 33713

Col. H. "Bernie" Bernard Lodge

September 7, 2013