Carl Ogden

A “Celebration of Life” for Carl Ogden will be held 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel. There will be a brief ceremony at 6pm. Carl passed away November 5, at the age of 84, just a month and a half after being diagnosed with a fast growing brain tumor. Considering his many years of public service, he must have known it was “Election Day”.

Carl was born August 27, 1929 in Jacksonville, Florida, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and attended Jacksonville University. Carl was a huge fan of the University of Florida football team and an avid golfer. He was also a Shriner.

Carl will be truly missed by his loving wife Gage. They met in Jacksonville and were married for 33 years. In retirement, they both enjoyed their farm in Lloyd, FL where family and friends were always welcomed.

Carl served his country in the Army and Air force. As a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force he was awarded The Purple Heart and The Silver Star during the Korean Conflict. He flew over 200 missions, most of them over enemy territory. He did not talk about his military service and few knew that he and a pilot escaped from a prison camp. Traveling at night, it took them four days to reach safety. His friend, who was wounded, died in a Mash unit.

Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1968, he honorably and capably represented Jacksonville for 20 years. He was majority floor leader in 1972. He was nominated in 1974 and 1975 for the St. Petersburg Times award and chosen in 1976 for “Most Valuable Member of the House.” Additionally awarded Jacksonville Jaycees Good Government Award twice, the Jaycees Good Government award, Duval Delegation most effective member three times. He served several terms as the Chairman of the powerful House Committee on Finance and Tax. Carl was the longest-serving House member when he left in 1988 after Gov. Bob Martinez appointed him director of the state’s employee insurance program.

Carl is blessed with two wonderful adoring sons, Bradley J Ogden (Rhonda) in Atlanta and Gregory C. Ogden in Charlotte. Carl also has seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Carl’s half -brother, Troy Ogden and his wife Karen live in Nashville, Tennessee. The devotion he gave to his family and his service to his state and country are to be treasured.