Glen Eldon Hodges

Glen Eldon Hodges, 90, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 6, surrounded by his family at his son’s home, which he had helped build.

He was born on April 13, 1935, in Lebo, Kansas, the son of Gomer Raymond Hodges and Eulalia Imogene Edwards Hodges. Glen grew up in Coffey County and graduated from Strawn High School in 1953. He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia for one year before beginning his working life.

On September 16, 1955, he married the love of his life, Shirley Maxine Lovett, in Topeka, Kansas. Together they shared 64 years of marriage until her passing on September 13, 2018.

After working at Boeing in Wichita, Glen and Shirley moved to Emporia in 1957. Over the years, he held a variety of occupations that reflected his strong work ethic and versatility. He worked as a paint contractor, building contractor, and Realtor. He also spent many years working for Bud and Irene Hopkins as their trusted property and family caretaker. After retirement, he devoted his time and skills to helping his son build MRSK Buildings from the ground up.

Glen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved boating and fishing and spent countless hours on the water with family and friends. Glen had endless patience when it came to teaching the younger generation how to water ski, an amazing feat considering he never learned to swim himself and always wore a life vest and a life belt when he was in the water. Glen rarely missed his grandsons’ sporting events and was one of their biggest cheerleaders. In his later years, he loved puttering around the garden and the shop at Jeff’s place, and he found joy in playing Bingo, which became a favorite pastime.

He is survived by his three children: Glendolyn (Joe) Bedord of DeSoto, Kansas; Darla (Mike) Mallein of Emporia, Kansas; and Jeff (Sonja) Hodges of Emporia, Kansas. He also leaves behind four grandchildren—Brady (Lyndsey) Stephens, Corey Cushman, Stacy (Brandon) Scrivner, and Lucas Mallein—and three great-grandchildren, Allie Carnell, Kenzie Stephens, and Berklee Stephens. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Yockey and Donna Eaton.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Shirley; his brother, Raymond Keith Hodges; and his granddaughter, Laurie Cushman.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, at the Emporia Senior Center at 603 East 12th Avenue in Emporia, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia Senior Center Endowment Fund or Hand-in-Hand Hospice and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 West Sixth Street, Lebo, Kansas 66856.