Obituary of John R. Hodges

BedfordJohn R. Hodges, 82 of 307 O Street passed away at 12:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7th at his residence. Born on August 25, 1921 in Lawrence County, IN he was the son of Melvin Hodges and Etta (Owens) Hodges. He worked forty-three years at Indiana Limestone where he began as a purchasing agent and later became the president in 1966. He continued as an officer and consultant for the company until his retirement. He was a realtor and broker and owned and operated J.R. Hodges Machinery in Bedford up until recently. Mr. Hodges served his Country in W.W. II from 1944 to 1946 with the 96th Infantry Division on Leyte, P.I. and Okinawa Campaigns and was awarded the Silver Star Medal on Okinawa. Mr. Hodges was a fifty year member of the American Legion Gillen Post #33, a member and elder of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star #129, fifty year member of the F & A.M. Bedford Lodge #14. He was very involved in the community and active in several civic organizations including member of Bedford School Board prior and during the consolidation of schools, Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Bedford City Council. He managed and played on local softball teams and supported I.U. Football and Basketball for fifty years. He married Virginia F. Moore on March 8, 1941 and she died June 24, 1997. Surviving are two sons; John H. Hodges and his wife, Norma Hynds-Hodges of Indianapolis, IN and Donald E. Hodges of Viroqua, WI; nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; one sister, Margie Terrell of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and two sisters, Frances Nicholson Smith and Betty Parker. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10th at the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church with Pastors Gary Baker, Jim Burks and Rick Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Cemetery with Military rites accorded at the grave by the American Legion. Friends may call on Monday, February 9th from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Day & Carter Mortuary and on Tuesday Noon until the hour of service at the Church.