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Henry Hodges Sr.

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Henry Hodges Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 21, 2007.

HODGES
HENRY HODGES, SR.

On Saturday, June 16, 2007, HENRY HODGES, SR. began his next adventure with his beloved wife Miss Martha and his wolves, passing peacefully surrounded by family and friends at his ranch. Born in 1923, he was raised on the Jumping Horse Ranch in Ennis, MT and started his first trucking company at the age of eight. As a member of the 10th Mountain Division he ws put in charge of the mule pack trains hauling the mountain howitzers during World War II when it was determined that he was the only member of his company with a will stronger than those mules. He was injured and after a lengthy recovery at Walter Reed, served at the US Army Aberdeen Test Center and then ran the Detroit Arsenal Camp Bullis test facility in San Antonio, TX. He married the love of his life and dearest traveling companion, Miss Martha at Galilee Lake Tahoe and founded Hodges Transportation, Inc. His interest in tires and military vehicle mobility resulted in significant contributions to radial tire design and improved tire safety, standards which are still used today. For many years he ran the company from the old V and T Roundhouse in Carson City, NV. He tested the first radial tires built by Michelin, Pirelli and Goodyear, and the first plastic tire built by Firestone. He established high speed tire safety criteria for the Highway Patrol. Expanding the company and returning to

his ranching history, he moved the company to Lyon County on the old Break-A-Heart Ranch in 1972. He served in Operation Desert Storm as a military tire expert receiving Army Commendations for service. He and Martha traveled around the world many times including the London to Beijing Road Rally in a specially prepared Hummer. At the age of 78, he received a special award from the US Army for his continuing military service. His contributions saved lives and improved the safety and mobility of vehicles throughout North America and around the world. He was an ambassador of the principles of the west, always a teacher and friend, a student of history who had the passion to take others problems on as his own and to always leave a place better than he found it. He is survived by his son, Henry Jr. (Mary); daughter Dorothy Pona of Chesterland, OH (Chuck); six grandchildren, his wonderful brother Bill (Susie); and many nieces and nephews to whom he meant so much. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed for the Fisher House, St. Mary's Hospice or the Sisters of Notre Dame India Mission of Chardon, OH. A Celebration of Life service is to be held at The Nevada Automotive Test Center on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 10 a.m. Arrangements through WALTON'S CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY, Carson City, NV 89706.

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Recent Activity

June 29, 2007

John Fitzsimmons posted to the memorial.

June 25, 2007

Bill Bartilson posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2007

John Wyant posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

John Fitzsimmons

June 29, 2007

My sympathy to those Henry leaves behind. We first met 20 years or so back. Learned things with him at his ranch including how to handle a blowout. While in the 10th Mountain in Leadville, Co. hed worked part time in a local establishment there. My Dad was born there in 1896 and we spent many great days there. Sid Bloor a great guy and admirer of Henry introduced me to him. Henry was a good man and I'm proud to have known him' Martha and their ranch. //

Bill Bartilson

June 25, 2007

To the family, please accept my sincere condolences. Not only was Henry an excellent engineer, but he was extremely observant as well. He was able to tell at a long distance that I reacted to the blowout in a way that was not of his teaching. In response to a comment by John Smith clearly audible on the video tape, he said, "No, he just has quick hands." and required some remedial driving on my part before continuing the rest of the testing. His training has been invaluable to me.

Bill Bartilson
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Retired

John Wyant

June 23, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Jim O'Neal

June 21, 2007

My most sincere condolences. I met Henry on more than one occassion while working in the Tire Test Division at Goodyear. Henry was an interesting person and lived a full life. He left his mark on his profession and was known and respected in the tire business. I was glad to have know him.

Jim O'Neal
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.
Retired

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Brenda Cavanaugh

June 21, 2007

Martha and family, I was lucky enough to have attended and completed Henry's Tire and Vehicle Dynamics Course shortly after Michelin acquired Uniroyal Goodrich in April, 1991. In fact Martha, you and Henry graciously invited our entire team to the house for dinner afterwards. We had a great time unwinding and melding with our new counterparts and of course got to see the wolves. I met with Henry one other time. That week, and my subsequent contact with Henry had a profound effect on my career and confidence in managing tire product liability claims. I have thought of Henry often and will continue to do so. I send my heartfelt prayers and blessings.

Sandy Purser (Huth)

June 21, 2007

To the family ... what a wonderful life Henry had on this earth. Full of interest and passion. I had the pleasure of attending the Tire and Vehicle Dynamics Course in 1991 as a Michelin employee. Henry and Martha were gracious hosts and we dined at their home. It is an experience I have never forgotten and to this day have my plaque from Hodges Transportation Inc. hanging on my wall. I am sure heaven awaits and they have big plans for Henry!

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