Dayton Shooting: Burial services held today for victim Derrick Fudge of Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds have turned out today for a visitation for Derrick Fudge of Springfield, one of nine people killed in the Oregon District shootings last Sunday morning.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland and Dayton Mayor Whaley are among those who arrived at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield.

Fudge died of gunshot wounds in the arms of his son. He was a Springfield resident and one of nine people shot and killed by Connor Betts, 24, of Bellbrook. Betts was killed by Dayton police within a minute of the incident starting.

The 57-year old was with his son and other family members when he was gunned down last week in Dayton’s Oregon District.

Family members at his funeral Saturday described him as a loving family man, passionate about those he cared for and devoted to helping the needy through collecting donations for the Salvation Army during Christmas season.

REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS
Read the stories of all 9 killed in the Oregon District attack »

An avid fisherman, Fudge also loved to cook, play cards and work at painting houses.

Born in Buffalo, New York, the longtime Springfield resident had attended the former Springfield South High School.

He is survived by one son, Dion (Donita) Green; one granddaughter, Niara Green; two sisters, Sherrie Fudge-Galloway and Twyla (Randy) Southall; three brothers, Roderick Fudge, Leonard Fudge and Jeffrey Fudge and a host of other relatives.

Green said his father often spoke of his willingness to die for his boy.

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Green previously told the Springfield News that may have played out as he suspected the bullets fired in his direction hit his father instead.

He cradled Fudge’s wounded body in the tumultuous minutes after the mass shooting, watching his father die.

“My dad was a great person. Fun, always a good time, make you laugh and he’ll always be there for your when you need help,” said Green.

The noon-time funeral was well attended with some in the audience not knowing Fudge but appearing there in support of his family and friends in the wake of the horrific shooting that grabbed the nation’s attention.

In the funeral’s program Fudge’s family wrote: “Your prayers, calls, visits, flowers, cards, food and other expressions of love have truly helped get us through this difficult time.”