Leo Edward Doidge
February 16, 1948 – May 7, 2026

Leo Edward Doidge, 78, passed away on May 7, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, to Sergeant Major Harold Doidge and his wife, Pia. 

Leo’s military family lived in Texas, Hawaii, and Italy retiring in Pensacola, Florida.  Leo attended Escambia High School, Pensacola Junior College, and the University of West Florida where he earned a BA in Art in 1970.

While attending college, Leo met the love of his life, Edna Gay Horn. Their relationship began with a simple ride to school in his Volkswagen Bug and grew into a 56-year marriage filled with love, partnership, and devotion.

After graduation from UWF, Leo began a career as a graphic design artist at WSRE-TV and later in the audio-visual department at Pensacola Junior College. From there, Leo embarked on a long and distinguished career in public service. He first worked with the West Florida Regional Planning Council before joining the City of Pensacola, where he served for over twenty years as an urban comprehensive planner, assistant planning director, and ultimately Director of City Planning. In 1990, Leo and his team developed a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Pensacola that was awarded the Florida Growth Management Award for best overall plan for a large municipality in the State of Florida. 

Following his retirement from the City of Pensacola in 2004, Leo continued his passion for service by entering the Escambia County Public School System.  He served there in many roles, ending at Myrtle Grove Elementary as substitute teacher, parent educator, fourth grade teacher, and art teacher.  He touched countless lives along the way. 

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Leo valued most the lifelong friendships he built throughout his career.

Leo was the “Plan Man” He loved:

Being in charge

Making people laugh

Eating all kinds of good food

Imposing order on chaos (especially at home)

Doing the dishes

Making iced tea

Music of many genres

Sports: football, basketball, baseball

Cleaning and detailing his cars

People, especially children and babies

Above all else, Leo was dedicated to his family. He and Gay were constant, enthusiastic supporters in the stands at Warrington Ballpark and basketball gyms around the community during their sons’ Little League years and later at countless events for their grandchildren. Whether it was sports, school activities, or special milestones, Leo was always there—offering encouragement, guidance, humor, and unwavering support.

Leo’s love for Gay was extraordinary. They were inseparable in every aspect of life—from household chores to yard work to shopping trips. Their marriage was a rare and beautiful example of enduring love and partnership. That love created a family that was the center of Leo’s world.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Edna Gay Doidge; his sons Justin (Jill), Kendrick (Theresa), and Evan (Tanya); and his beloved grandchildren: Austin, Brandon, Asher, and Harlow. He is also survived by his brother Vince (Diane), along with many sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The family would also like to recognize and thank Linda Sebring, Jenny Catches, Sylvia Weatherspoon, and the compassionate team at VITAS Hospice (Katie Cain, RN, Chaplin Andy DeGuire, “Jay” Moultrie, Ashley Watson, Shannon Brunot, and Amanda Cypret) for their care and support.

 

Services will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 

800 East 9 Mile Road in Pensacola, Florida, 

Friday, May 22.  

Visitation 10:00, Service at 11:00. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VITAS Hospice.