Obituary of J. Kenneth Hodges

Bedford Lt. Col. J. Ken Hodges, 73, US Army Ret. passed away at 7:27 pm on Monday, November 10, 2008 at Dunn Memorial Hospital. Born April 18, 1935 in Bedford, IN, he was the son of Palmer Hodges and Rhue (Blackburn) Hodges. He graduated from Bedford High School and Saint Martins College, Olympia, Washington. Then entered Army as a Private and was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant First Class, received a direct commission to Second Lieutenant Colonel June 1987 as a regular Army Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service. A Bedford police officer for three years prior to being called to fly helicopters in Vietnam, he was dual rated aviator in helicopters and fixed wing single and multi engine, instrument rated in both types of aircraft and flew several thousand hours. Some of his assignments while in the Army were; two tours in Vietnam flying helicopters as an Air Calvary Commander, instructor pilot, Primary Helicopter Flight Training Center, Ft. Walters, TX, Director of Custody, United States Military Prison, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Chief of Doctrine and Systems, VII Corps, Germany and many others. His decorations include; Master Aviator Wings, Legion of Merit, two Distinguish Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, Three, Meritorious Service Medals and along with several others. After retirement from the Army, he was selected as Lawrence Countys Director of Community Corrections and was also a Probation Officer for 15 years before retiring again in 2002. He was a Charter Member of the Community Baptist Fellowship Church, Life Member and Past Commander of the American Legion, Past Chef De Gare 40/8 and past Trustee of the Bedford Elks Lodge He married the former Connie Wever on August 28, 1955 and Connie preceded him in death on December 16, 1998. Then married the former Sue Edington on Septemeber 9, 2000 and Sue preceded him in death on July 16, 2006. Surviving is one daughter, Kenna Jo Hodges of Bedford, one son, SGM Chris Hodges, U.S. Army, Ret of California, one step-daughter, Amy Davis of Indianapolis, three granddaughters, Kristen Hodges of Bloomington, Eileen Hodges of California and Mi Su Hodges of Virginia Beach, Virginia, one grandson, Joey Hodges of Bedford and one step-granddaughter, Kylie Davis of Indianapolis. Family members that preceded him in death; grandparents, parents, Palmer and Rhue Blackburn Hodges, one son, Kay T. Hodges, two brothers, Gene and Charles Hodges, two sisters, Margaret Bridwell and Mary Stapp and one granddaughter, Christa Hodges. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 14th at the Community Baptist Fellowship with Rev. Jon Lineback and Eric Kennedy officiating. Military rites will be accorded at the church by members of the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in Cresthaven Cemetery. Friends may call at Community Baptist Fellowship from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 13th and on Friday, November 14th from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Donations Information Memorial contributions for J. Kenneth Hodges may be made to the Community Baptist Fellowship Church for the Susie Hodges Memorial Library or The Memorial Garden. View Video Tribute