Eddie “Ed” T. Bodkin

October 1, 1943 - May 10, 2020

Eddie T. Bodkin (Ed), 76, a retired banker and resident of North Ft. Myers, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 after a brief illness.  Ed was the devoted husband of Maureen (Gallagher) for 37 years.  The two affectionately called each other “Earl” and “Pearl”.    He is survived by his daughter Denley, son Brett, and grandchildren Nikki, Neeley, Daniel, Grace and Abby.  Ed was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, the son of the late Sandy Bodkin and brother of the late Judy Yeaste.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ed was known to enjoy a good cigar, a cold beer, swimming, golfing, and televised sports, particularly golf and basketball.  In fact, Ed was named to the All Century team of Eastern Kentucky University in 2010 for his basketball career there, with highlights of:  Three-time All-OVC selection, seventh leading all-time scorer (1,587 points), sixth all-time leading rebounder (812), led EKU to OVC title and NCAA appearance in 1964-65.  He was best known for his sweeping hook shot and is a member of the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame.  Ed was drafted in the third round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls for their inaugural team in 1966.  He subsequently continued his education at the University of Scranton, obtaining his Master’s Degree in Business.

Ed was a tall man at 6’6”, with a deep robust laugh and a lovely southern accent (at least it was an accent to his wife’s family in the north).  At family parties, he could usually be found watching sports on TV or sitting in the kitchen eating chicken wings.  Ed’s affection for a good cigar and golfing is remembered by his nephew, Mark, who said: “I’ll have to smoke a ‘see-gar’ in his honor and take extra mulligans next golf outing”.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ed’s memory to your favorite charity.

For service details, please contact the family directly.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Roger Nimer May 14, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    Eddie was good friend of mine and friend to many others for many years starting in the early 80’s working at Commercial Bank. We played golf for many years with two others from the bank and would have the best time. We have stayed friends for all these years and while he lived in Cape Coral he still came to Miami to see his son and would call me and we would meet for breakfast..I am so sorry for your loss Maureen. He was a very good, kind and fun man.. May he rest in peace!

  2. Ellen Locke May 15, 2020 at 10:03 am

    I’m sorry for your loss Maureen and family.

  3. Jean O’Brien May 15, 2020 at 10:48 am

    I only met Ed once but but he must have been a great guy.
    37 years is a long time to be together. So sorry for your loss.

  4. Lori & Mark Robinson May 15, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Ed was a fixture at the Palm Lakes pool and I will miss seeing him when I went to do my laps. He always had a kind word to say if we weren’t talking about the weather or the resident alligator! Our deepest condolences to Maureen and family.

  5. Cathy & Howard Fromson May 15, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    Our sincerest thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Ed was our pool buddy and friend! Day after day he made the trek from his place to the pool. He had his very own chair and was just a joy to be around! Usually it was Howard, myself, our friend Kim and Ed! We did this daily throughout the summer and then when all of the snow birds migrated back as well.
    Ed and Howard would compare their tans and I enjoyed making Ed laugh. He will be missed greatly. So glad I got to know him!

  6. Maureen Orr May 16, 2020 at 9:05 am

    We knew Ed through his beautiful wife, Maureen. I worked with Maureen and knew Ed through her. She and Ed adored each other and were a devoted couple. Ed was always lighthearted and kind and I know the world will miss such a kind and gentle man. Our best goes to the entire family.

  7. John Miller May 16, 2020 at 11:43 am

    I spent many hours of fun growing up with Eddie in Harrodsburg. My role on HHS basketball team was to throw the ball to him!🏀. He will be greatly missed.
    Johnny Miller – Class of ‘61

  8. Carl and Robin Sokolski May 16, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Our sincere condolences to you , Maureen and family. I will cherish the memories of our monthly dining dates and our time visiting you and Ed in Florida! I loved his hearty laugh. He was a great man who will be greatly missed.

  9. Francie McBurney Dean May 18, 2020 at 8:50 am

    This is a great lost to family and friends. My husband, Tom Dean, thought a lot of Eddie. On my part when I talked to Eddie is was always on bellybutton level. My prayers to his family and close friends.

  10. The Maier family May 19, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    I so enjoyed having Ed as my brother in law. For many, many years Ed and Maureen would come north during the Fall and stop a stay a few days with us before heading up to golf at Wellsboro. I treasure those memories as we had such a good time. David was just remembering when he, Ed and Don stayed up til the very wee hours solving all the world’s problems but alas, they couldn’t remember the solutions come morning. 😉
    Maureen, I know you will miss him terribly. I am so glad you had all those years to store up all of your good memories. RIP Ed

  11. Kim Jackson May 20, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    I love you Ed!

  12. Kim Jackson May 20, 2020 at 12:05 pm

    Will miss my pool buddy .love you Ed!

  13. STACY SCOTT May 21, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    We are sorry for your loss Maureen and your family. Please reach out if you need anything!!
    Take Care.
    Weaver’s Deli

  14. Billie Davis May 24, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Great friend and Bridge player we got to know in 1974.

  15. Denley Jul 12, 2020 at 4:47 am

    Dad I love and miss you so much. We feel lost without you. I will never forget the time Daniel followed you down the beach, he said wait up Grandpa. He could not wait to see you. I feel you left us too early. You were such a sweet and special person to everyone you met. I feel honored to be your daughter. Noone can ever fill your shoes, especially a size 12 😄😍

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