Mark Hodges

Mark Andrew Hodges of Roanoke, passed away suddenly on February 17, 2026 while at home. He was 71. He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Hodges Jr. retired Engineer at G.E. and Loretta Nichols Hodges retired nurse; his sister, Carol Wilson former Marketing Associate at Pepsi Cola; and his brother, Barry Hodges a local electrician. He is survived by many cousins as well many friends and fellows in his many endeavors.

Mark grew up and lived all his life in the Windsor Hills area of Roanoke. After graduating Cave Spring High School he attended Virginia Western Community College. In the late 70's and early 80's he was a Roanoke City Auxiliary Policeman. During this time he also worked at Commonwealth Medical Supply as Warehouse Manager and Medical Device Repair Technician. In the late 80's he began volunteering at the Hopkins Planetarium. It was around this time that he became involved in the independent movie scene in Virginia and the East Coast through his best friend Mike McGee. Mark worked as a Pyrotechnician on many movies, commercials and industrial videos in Virginia, North Carolina and the Washington, D.C. area. In 1993 Mark helped produce the movie Sentinel 2099 and in the early 2000's he worked during his vacation time on several music videos and movies in Los Angeles for SMG Effects Inc. In 1989 Mark was hired full time at the Science Museum of Western Virginia. He began as a planetarium technician and exhibits tech. He eventually worked his way up the Planetarium Director and Exhibits Manager. He retired from the Science Museum in November 2022. At the Science museum Mark was known for his innovation. He created and developed many exciting and educationally stimulating exhibits. As planetarium Director he not only commissioned programing but worked to integrate the latest technology into the planetarium shows. He also occasionally produced and acted in programs like "Natures Bequest" and "Seasons". As the museums longest serving employee Mark's institutional knowledge was invaluable to successive administrators and staff. Recently he had discussed coming in as a volunteer to help steward the next chapter in the museums journey. In retirement Mark's scientific curiosity was insatiable. An autodidact in the science and engineering disciplines he continued to refine his skills and create new tools to explore the earth and sky. Mark was a man of many varied interests. He was a member of several Roanoke area Scientific and Hobby groups. He is remembered by his many friends and fellow astronomy enthusiasts in the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society. He is fondly remembered as a member of the Roanoke Valley Mineral and Gem Society as well as the Roanoke Valley International Plastic Modelers Society, Roanoke Chapter, where his compatriots remember his love for building SciFi models from Movies and TV. Among his other favorite pass times was curating his Godzilla and comic book collections.

A celebration of life is being planned for a date in early July. Please contact Mike Mcgee at facebook.com for details.