Dexter Lawrence Hodge

Graveside Services for Dexter Lawrence Hodge of Bryan, are set for 2pm Saturday, July 8, 2006 at Restever Memorial Park with Dr. Tim Owens officiating. Visitation will be held from 11am-noon Saturday at Hillier Funeral Home.

Mr. Hodge was born May 11, 1917 at Pledger in Matagorda County, Texas and passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2006. He was the son of the late Oliver Jefferson Hodge, Jr. and Willie Louise Harrison Hodge. He is also preceded in death by two brothers Oliver Lloyd Hodge, Robert Jefferson Hodge, Sr. and two sisters Mary Eleise Shaw and Laura Ellen Hodge.

Survivors include his wife Mertie "Jo" Hodge; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dexter Hodge, Jr. and wife Dianne of Pattison, Texas and Jeff Hodge and wife Sandi of Kurten; three grandsons Philip Dexter Hodge, Andrew Lawrence Hodge and Stephen Jeffrey Hodge.

Mr. Hodge served in the United States Army and Air Force from 1940-1962, retiring from the USAF as a Colonel with over 22 years active service. During WW II his combat decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaves. His B-24 Squadron, which he commanded as a Captain and later as a Major, was awarded 2 citations. First for the Air Battle of Kiel, and second for the Air Battle of Ploesti. Non-combatant awards included the Army and Air Force Commendations Medals. Among his many duty station assignments was Texas A&M in 1946-1949 as its Professor of Air Science and Tactics, which was activated upon his arrival.

Mr. Hodge was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bryan. He was a fifty year member of: Bay City Lodge 865 AF&AM; Bryan Chapter 222 OES; the Tampa, Florida Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, S.J. USA, and many veterans organizations including the 44th Bomb Group Veterans Association, and 2nd Air Division Association that represent his WW II combat organizations that has been de-activated.

After retirement from the USAF in 1962, Mr. Hodge lived in Pledger, Matagora County until 1986. During this period he served various terms as a member of the following agencies: County Hospital District; County Conservation and Reclamation District #1; County Soil Conservation District #316; County Re-districting Committee; Boling School District Property Tax Re-appraisal Board; and Community 4-H Leader. He made Bryan his home since 1986. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and active with Disabled American Vets.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or charity of your choice.