Dudley Thomas Marchetti Sr.'s Obituary
On Saturday, July 11th, 2020, Dudley T. Marchetti Sr. passed away at the age of 93. Dudley was born on August 15th 1926 in Lexington, Missouri to John P. And Beulah Mae Marchetti. He grew up alongside his siblings, Cornelia, Orsula, Wilbur, and Alfred. At age 25, Dudley became acquainted with Thelma F. Smith and they married 8 months later in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they shared a love-filled marriage of 41 years and now rejoice as they have been reunited in Heaven. Together they shared a great life with their four children, Tom, Lynette, Donna and Lisa.
Dudley was drafted into the Army prior to graduating high school at age 18. He served for 3 years as a chef during World War II and was discharged at age 21. Following his discharge, Dudley worked for the Fox Theatre which later became Cinemark Theatre for over 40 years. He then served as the main maintenance man at Abbett Elementary in Garland, Tx for 20 years before retiring at the age of 86; he was loved dearly and called Mr. Dudley by both the students and staff there who he considered an extension of his family. If you visited him on the weekends you would catch him in his favorite indented recliner with a Coors beer in hand and his companion dog at his feet watching a classic favorite Western show or The Texas Rangers baseball team. Dudley had many loves in life, but none that surpassed his wife, children, grand and great grandkids. Dudley was the patriarch and glue to the family; he brought many great traditions to the family such as annual Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving and Easter gatherings hosted at his home. His main desire was for his family to be together and united, regardless of what they were doing. His heart was grand and loved each family member unconditionally without hesitation. He was a great listener and comforter to anyone in need. He made those around him laugh and forget their troubles. Dudley will be remembered for his contagious smile, inviting eyes, listening ears, warm hugs, kind words, and being the best husband, Dad and PaPa. Dudley will be missed deeply and his family looks forward to the day of reuniting with him in Heaven.
Dudley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma F. Marchetti, parents John P. And Beulah Marchetti, and siblings Cornelia Mallot, Orsula Bullard, Wilbur C. Marchetti, Alfred Lee Marchetti and John Marchetti, daughter in law Libby Marchetti and son in law Ray Andrews. Dudley is survived by his children Dudley T. Marchetti Jr. of Garland, Lynette and husband Mike Poorman of Forney, Donna Andrews of Wylie and Lisa Abair of Plano; grandchildren Kristen and husband Josh Abla, Mindy Down, Michelle and husband Cory Clark, Zachary Marchetti, Amanda Marchetti, Joshua and wife Brittany Andrews, Rebekka and husband Hunter Dugan, Kelsea Abair and Maddie Abair; great grand kids Kinsey Clark, Morgan Clark, Ragan Abla, Scarlett Down, Korbin Abla, Gavyn Abla, Cameron Dugan and Jesse Andrews.
Visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Tx on Thursday July 16, 2020 from 3-5 pm.
Service will be held at the Restland Funeral Home Wildwood Chapel in Dallas, Texas on Friday July 17, 2020 at 2 pm.
Please send flowers to Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Tx 75243.
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