DR. ROBERT HODGE

Robert H. Hodge, MD, passed away May 6, 2012 at Northcare Hospice House. A memorial service will be held at Avondale United Methodist Church at 10 AM on Wednesday May 9, 2012. Visitation will be held following the service. A private burial later will be held later at Faubion Cemetery, Gladstone, MO. Bob was born on September 3, 1920 to Dr. & Mrs. Russell L. and Margaret Campbell Hodge. He was a graduate of North Kansas City High School, Central United Methodist College, Washington University Medical School, and did his medical Internship and Residency at Kansas City General Hospital. He served as a captain in the AUS Army at Gorgas Hospital in the Canal Zone, Panama. He practiced internal medicine in North Kansas City from 1950 to 1982. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Anna Mae Besgrove, two sons, Robert H. Hodge Jr, MD (Sandra), Richard M. Hodge, DDS. (Marti), daughter Nancy Hodge Shy (deceased) and his twin brother Reverend William J. Hodge (Margaret Ann). He was active in many medical organizations including the Missouri State Medical Society, Clay County Medical Society, North Kansas City Memorial Hospital (President and Past President of the Medical Staff), American College of Physicians (Fellow), American Society of Internal Medicine, American Medical Association, Greater Kansas City Society of Internists (President); University of Missouri School of Medicine at Kansas City (Clinical Associate Professor), University of Virginia School of Medicine (Visiting Clinician). Dr. Hodge was very active in the community and his church including: Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Kansas City MO 1963-1975 (President 1971-1975); Commissioner- Board Branch of National Recreation and Park Association 1966-1975 (President Board of Trustees 1971, Executive Committee Dallas, TX 1964- 1969); North Kansas City State Bank (Board of Directors),Young Men's Christian Association (Board of Managers 1955-1973); Avondale United Methodist Church (Chairman, Building Committee 1951-1977; Board of Managers,1951- 1977); United Methodist Church (Member of Social Principles Study Commission, 1968-1972): Lyceum Theatre, Arrow Rock, MO (Board of Directors and Executive Committee); Sister City Commission, 1980; Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary (Board of Directors 1969-2012, President 1983); The Nature Conservancy (Life Member). During his lifetime, he received many honors including Fellowship Award from Missouri State Parks Association, Central Methodist College Award for Meritorious Distinction, Resolution from the Kansas City Council congratulating Dr. Robert H. Hodge on his election as President of the National Recreation and Park Association's Commission- Board Branch, Resolution from the Kansas City Council expressing Appreciation to Dr. Robert H. Hodge as Chairman of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Award of Merit for outstanding support and service from Commissioners-Board Members Branch of National Recreation and Park Association, and Voluntary Service Award from National Recreation and Park Association. On September 15, 1976, the Kansas City Park and Recreation Board renamed Shoal Creek Park to Robert H. Hodge Park, in his honor. He loved his church, family, patients, community, farming and horses. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Avondale United Methodist Church or Northcare Hospice House. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dwnwhitechapel.com. Arr: White Chapel 816-452-8419. D
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Published in Kansas City Star on May 8, 2012
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