Robert Hodges Sr.

1933 - 2025

Robert Hodges, Sr
10/28/1933 - 11/09/2025

Reverend Robert Charles Hodges, Sr., age 92 of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. One of Pops favorite sayings was "we are only here to get out of here." Which was also the title of his life's journey. Born October 28, 1933, to James Wesley "JW" Hodges and Sarah Marie (Hudson) Hodges in Lubbock, Texas. Charles went by several names during his life like Pops, Chuck, Robert, and Dad. An Ordained Presbyterian Minister and a bit of a theologian, he affiliated with several religious groups including the Cumberland Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and many other churches. If you have ever looked for Pops you could find him typing away on his computer or listening to classical music or especially the Texas A&M Marching Band, he loved 'em' some Aggie band show. He also was very fond of fishing and crabbing and went as often as life provided time for. His family owned and operated Hodges Brothers Store, "The Friendly Store, everything for the farm and for the family," 1115-1117 Avenue G Lubbock, Texas. Charles graduated from Lubbock High School Lubbock, Texas class of 1952. There he ran track and played football #87. Charles was part of the 1951 and 1952 Lubbock High School Westerners football team that won consecutive Texas state and District 1-AAAA football championships in those years. Following high school Charles attended Bethal College in McKenzie, Tennessee and graduated with a BA in Bible / Religion. While attending Bethel he met and married Billie Jo (LaFollette) Hodges in 1955. They settled in Memphis, Tennessee. Charles went to work for the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association). He was a key figure at the following branches: Mason YMCA Memphis, TN. Towson YMCA Towson, MD. Northeast Family YMCA Philadelphia, PA. and Mainline YMCA Ardmore, PA. After leaving the YMCA Charles moved his family back to his home in Lubbock, Texas. Spending a few years there and in the Houston and Dallas areas Charles again returned to his home in Lubbock. He was a self-employed painter and remodeler in the West Texas area and a substitute teacher for Lubbock Independent School District. He also ran the Optifast and Mannatech programs and worked in the circulation department at The Lubbock Avalanche Journal driving his box truck in the early hours of the morning to deliver paper bundles to surrounding communities. When his marriage to Billie Jo ended in 1999, Charles moved soon after to Midland, Texas where he met Faye Higgins. They spent many years traveling, spending time with families and of course fishing. Pops loved to go to Ruidoso, NM to fish for trout and just get away and have a good time. During their time together, Charles and Faye operated the DARE program in Midland, TX working with city, county, and state law enforcement agencies to help prevent drunk driving. They both attended Saint Stevens and Saint Ann's Catholic Churches of Midland, TX. Pops spent some time living in Brenham, TX with his son and his family, and later moved back to Midland to live with his daughter Mary Catherine. The family would like to thank Sienna Nursing and Rehabilitation of Odessa and Ashton Medical Lodge for the care they gave Charles during his time there. Survivors include his son Rob Hodges and his wife Sherry of Brenham, Texas. Charles's daughter Mary Catherine Ward of Midland, Texas. Grandchildren Hannah Hodges of Brenham, Texas and Daniel Hodges and his wife Alex of Oxford, Mississippi. He is proceeded in death by his mom and dad, brothers James, David, Howard, Calvin and sisters Mary Catherine, Dorothy and Elizabeth and significant other Una Faye Higgins. A memorial will be planned for some time in early spring of 2026 and will take place in Midland, Texas. Charles believed in helping others the best he knew how. That is why some years ago he became a member of the Texas Tech School of Medicine Willed Body Program and was also a listed organ donor. His wish was to donate his body to science so that others could continue to learn and wished that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to a local YMCA or law enforcement agency.