The Buckeye Division
Loren "Al" Doddroe
Major (Ret.) Loren Alan “Al” Doddroe, USAF, of Ashville, Ohio passed away on October 4th, with family at his side. He was born October 11, 1934, in Mount Sterling, Ohio to Emil and Maxine (O’brien) Doddroe.
Upon graduation from high school, Al joined the United States Air Force, establishing a decorated 20-year career as a Pilot and Flight Instructor, retiring at the rank of Major in the Strategic Air Command/Tactical Air Command in 1975 out of Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. Stationed in Okinawa Japan, Grand Forks ND, Clovis NM, Phoenix AZ as well as many other locations, his service encompassed 2 tours of Vietnam serving as Fighter Pilot, Flight Commander, and Forward Air Controller, completing 374 missions and over 10,500 hours flying time earning medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star with Valor. In 2013 his name was placed on the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor.
Al went on to another 22-year career as Charter Pilot for the Ohio State University, flying football coaches, University Presidents, camera teams (OSU Football), political dignitaries, and some notable famous individuals to their desired locations. He flew countess times in the middle of the night, with a moment’s notice, for the Medical Team at OSU for organ transplants.
An avid model railroader, Al favored the Pennsylvania RR line, building layouts, steam engines from scratch, and attending countless meetings with the National Model Railroad Association and the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society, where he served as chapter President for a number of years.
Al married Edna Carol Picklesimer May 7, 1955, in Mount Sterling, OH, and she was his lifelong partner through 21 relocations and 70 years. He is survived by his daughter (Anita Doddroe), Daughter (Shawna Parker), Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great, Great Grandchildren as follows: Cyndie, Brad, Bonnie, Jordan, Ashley, Alaina, Devon, Daysia, Brycen, Rhett, Paisleigh, Easton, and Morgan. Also survived by Brother (Bert Doddroe (Diana)), Nephew (Jeff Doddroe (Amy)), and Neice (Tammie Doddroe Wilson (Randy)). He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, in February 2026.
Al’s life was filled with integrity, honor, respect, kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to his family. He supported his wife, daughters, and grandchildren to an unparalleled extent.
Al’s family will receive friends on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to Noon at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH , followed by funeral service with Pastor Brian Dunham officiating and interment to follow with military honors at Violet Township Cemetery, Pickerington, Ohio.
Friends,
Al’s brother Burt Doddroe called Jim Kehn this afternoon to tell of Al’s passing.
Al was a driving force behind the Buckeye / Lines West Chapter of the Pennsy Society for many years, longtime COOSE member, CA&C fan, O-Scale modeler, Viet Nam War fighter pilot, Ohio State U chief pilot and all-around good guy.
Al always seemed to be in amazingly good health, but his wife passed last year, and he started showing his age. A short time ago he fell and spent some time in the hospital. He was recuperating with his brother Burt when Jim Kehn and I visited a couple of weeks ago. He was very weak and tired, but his mind was still sharp. Burt took him to the hospital when he complained of stomach problems and scans revealed advanced cancer. At least he didn’t suffer long.
I’ll leave with one of my favorite Al quotes: “I love to fly, but it isn’t half as much fun if someone isn’t shooting at you.”
RIP Al, good friend and American Hero,
Bill Brubach
Al was a gift to all of us. May he rest in the peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Christopher Walsh
Al was a leader in so many ways - a quiet hero of the Viet Nam conflict - a long time pilot in private life, and the president of the PRRTHS Lines West chapter for years. He deferred working on his layout while he lovingly cared for his ill wife for many years . He was one of a kind, and he will be missed.
Ken McDonough
So sad to hear of his passing. Always enjoyed talking to Al at operating sessions.
Michael Percy
Al was (and in my memory, still is) a neat character. I’ll miss the occasional aviation story.
Matt Goodman