D. Hodges

D. Harvey Hodges Savoy - It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of D. Harvey Hodges, my father, hero and best friend. He departed this life peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on June 27, 1925, in Independence, Kan., the son of Edward B. and Grace E. Maudlin Hodges, Harvey grew up in in Ottawa. Harvey married Adella Engle on May 20, 1956, in Frankfort, Ind., and she passed in 2021. He is survived by his loving daughter, Brenda J. Rice, and son-in-law, Steve Rice of Urbana. Harvey lived a life devoted to service and his community. As a WWII veteran of the U.S. Army, Harvey served his country with honor and integrity. He was one of thousands who stormed the beaches in Normandy. Although wounded during the landing, Harvey continued his military career as a trombonist in the 7th Special Service Platoon, which entertained the troops. He became part of Laughs Inc. You can read his story by Googling the following link: schistory.net/campcroft/laughs/l_hodges.html. After the Army, Harvey earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University and had a long career with School Music Services in Champaign as BB Wyman's sales manager for all of his stores. In 1963, Harvey decided to enter the real-estate business with Dave Hunter. After obtaining his broker's license in 1967, he went into business for himself and started Hodges Real Estate. He was a member of the Champaign County Board of Realtors, the Illinois Association of Real Estate Boards and the National Association of Real Estate Boards. Harvey was Realtor of the Year in 1976 and president of the Champaign County Board of Realtors in 1973. Harvey was active in the Kiwanis Club as well as American Legion Post 1492, where he served as treasurer/secretary until the age of 99. Harvey was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign. Harvey along with his wife, Adella, were among the founders of the Horseless Carriage Club, which is now known as the Illini Collector Car Club. They also belonged to many other car clubs in their lifetime: the Prairie A's, the Volkswagen Club of America, the National Thunderbird Club and the Ford Model T Club. Harvey played trombone with many bands in the area as soon as he came to Champaign in 1954. He played with Paul Karlstrom, Dick Cisne, Medicare 7,8 or 9 and Bud's Band up until he was about 90. After Harvey closed his business, they became snowbirds in Port Charlotte, Fla., and traveled all over the USA and Europe. Dad always told people, "Do it while you are young, because when you are old, you won't be able." Steve and I would like to thank everyone at The Windsor of Savoy for the outstanding care my father received in his final year, especially by Andi and Mary. Thank you all so very much!! Harvey's celebration of life will be at The Windsor of Savoy in the Savoy and Windsor rooms on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2:30 p.m. There will be enough seating for all who wish to attend. Overflow parking will be available at the First Baptist Church across the street. Memorial donations can be made to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation. Please indicate on the memo line "In memory of Harvey Hodges." The donations will be used for a memorial bench in memory of Harvey and Adella Hodges given by their loving friends. Please send checks to the Champaign County Forest Preserve, ATTN Jenna, P.O. Box 1040, Mahomet, IL 61853.