M. Lee Dugan

M. Lee Dugan, age 88 of Bendersville, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with family at his side. Lee was born January 8, 1936, the son of Maurice E. Dugan and Marvel M. (Routsong) Dugan.

As a young man, he worked at Rice, Trew, and Rice, where he met Shelvey Jean Lady in 1954. They were married in February 1958.

He was a passionate baseball player who pitched in the local leagues in Cumberland County and was eligible for tryouts with the Baltimore Orioles in the mid-1950s. He decided not to pursue the big leagues and instead, graduated from Shippensburg State Teachers College in 1957. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, he completed his student teaching at Boiling Springs High School. In 1958, Lee graduated from Eckles Mortuary School, a branch of Temple University in Philadelphia. He owned and operated Dugan Funeral Home, Inc. in Bendersville, from 1969 to 2005.

In his early years, Lee hunted small game. He was an enthusiastic deer hunter and shot archery. He was a competitive trap shooter having won the Mid-Atlantic States Championship. For many years he was an avid golfer and bowler. Whatever the endeavor, he was extremely competitive. He was a Life member of Bendersville Fire Co. and a member of F&AM Good Samaritan Lodge 336 of Gettysburg and a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

In recent years, Lee lived for the annual trip to Wyoming to hunt deer with his son and Dave Taylor. There was always a bigger one to shoot and many laughs were shared along the hunt.

Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shelvey Jean (Lady) Dugan, daughter, Debbie D. and husband Joseph A. Wetzel of Landisville, son Allen L. and wife Kitty A. Dugan of Shippensburg; grandchildren: Carlie Wetzel, Amanda and husband Devin Rickabaugh (son Emmett), Tanner (daughter Alaura) Dugan; step-grandchildren Elliott and wife Rebecca Lolley and Hannah and husband Ryan Rebuck (children Olivia, Jack and Claire). Sister-in-law Anna Mae Dugan of Brighton, MI also survives him. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Dean Carey, brother Joel Dugan, and granddaughter, Danielle Wetzel in 2002.

Arrangements are entrusted with Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., Bendersville. But, as Lee requested, his services will be held at Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory where a Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22 beginning at 9:00 AM, at 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. The Funeral Service will be held at noon with Reverend Susan Scott officiating. A reception of friends and family will follow at Hearthside Hall in the funeral home. Interment at Bendersville Cemetery will be at 3:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, PO Box 449, Bendersville, PA 17306. Condolences for the family can be left at DuganFH.com.