Lynn Dudley

Lynn Murdock Dudley, a professor of geology who served as the first chair of Florida State's Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, has died at the age of 58.

Dudley, who joined the FSU faculty in 2006, provided leadership that was critical in the successful joining of the three former departments of Geology, Meteorology and Oceanography, resulting in the creation of one of the College of Arts and Sciences' premier undergraduate and graduate programs. He served as the new department's chair from 2010 until early 2013.

Survivors included his wife of 33 years, Caryn Beck-Dudley, the dean of Florida State's College of Business; and two children, Michael and Stacia Dudley.

A celebration of Dudley's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home, 288 North Main St., Heber City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to the Florida State University Foundation's EOAS General Development Fund in his name. A guest book may be viewed and is available for signing at www.olpinhoopes.com/web/index.php.

Visit the website of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science for a more comprehensive obituary.