Obituary of Eugene L. Datthyn

Sodus: Passed away on Sunday October 19 at age 94. Eugene was a World War II veteran. He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie in 2009, brother Sergeant Lester J. Datthyn U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944, father Jacob in 1948, and mother Anna in 1958. As a sole surviving son he was eligible for discharge from the Army but elected to serve until war’s end. Eugene completed Army Specialist Service training for duty in the Pacific at Stanford University. Because of the need for combat troops in Europe, he served as Net Control Radio Operator with the 69th Infantry Division, meeting Russian soldiers at two locations on the Elbe River. He was discharged from the military early in 1946. Except for time spent earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, and 3 ½ years in the Army, Eugene spent his lifetime living in the Sodus area as a farm owner, farm chemical company representative, and Cooperative Extension Agent, serving fruit growers in Wayne County and the surrounding area. Eugene is survived by children Bradford Datthyn of Newark, Donagene Shaver of NC, Brenda May (Alan Buyck) of SC, Catherine (Brett) Staudmyer of Fairport; grandson Kevin May and great grandson Gavin May. There will be no prior visitation. Private interment with Military Honors will be at the Sodus Rural Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October 24th, 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Sodus, where a reception will be held immediately following. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in memory of Eugene to the First Presbyterian Church, 31 W. Main St., Sodus, NY 14551. Arr: Norton Funeral Home.