William E. “Bill” Hodges passed away on Nov. 18, 2014. Born in Memphis to Hazel E. and John F. Hodges on Sept. 25, 1932. Mr. Hodges served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Wounded in action on March 19, 1953, he earned a Bronze Star with V (valor) and a Purple Heart. His other medals include: United Nations Korean Service, Naval Occupation and the National Defense Service Ribbon. A graduate of Millington Central High School, Mr. Hodges later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Memphis State College, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Utah. During his 30-year tenure with District 60, he served as a teacher at Corwin Junior High School and Central High School; as a counselor at Central High School and Roncalli Middle School; and at Central administration as director of guidance, research and testing, retiring in 1998. Mr. Hodges was justifiably proud of his service to the young people of Pueblo and wished to be remembered as their untiring advocate. Mr. Hodges was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeffrey Hodges; the mother of his children, Nancy Hodges; brother, Robert Hodges; sisters, Elizabeth Hodges and Linda Black. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Jody Hodges (Andrew Nelson); Mary’s children, Lauretta (Jeffrey) Garren M.D. and Michael (Angela) Stefanic II; former daughter-in-law, MiChele Stefanic; grandchildren, Lara and Karoline Garren; Michael, Matthew and Jacob Stefanic, Andrew J. (Mikaela and daughter, Petra) Nelson. Also surviving are brother- in-law, Jerry (Beverly) Black; nieces and nephews, Christopher (Lisa) Black, Shannon Beer, Jay (Belinda) Black and Jodi (Matthew) Franken; sister-in-law, Annalee (Wagner) Schorr; and other relatives. In lieu of food and flowers, contributions made to the Central High School Foundation for the Bill Hodges Memorial Scholarship through the funeral home office would be most welcome. During his lengthy illness, Mr. Hodges was ably cared for by Jack Markusfeld, M.D.; Jay Richter, M.D.; Melchor Sipalay, M.D.; Tony Felez, M.D.; Denise Crute, M.D.; Stephen MacKerrow, M.D.; Sharon Kessler, M.D.; and Travis Archuletta, M.D. For their assistance, they have the thanks of his grateful family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Michel DeSciose, with Deacon Jake Arellano as the homilist at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Holy Family Church. Entombment will follow at Imperial Memorial Gardens. At his request, there will be no viewing. Online condolences, www.imperialfunerals.com
Pueblo Chieftain Sun Nov 23 2014