Bill Hodges

Bill G. Hodges, 86, of Jackson died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 1, 1929, in Sikeston, Missouri, to James S. and Emma Arnold Hodges. He and Joan E. Poole were married Aug. 22, 1959, at East Prairie, Missouri.

Bill was a graduate of Sikeston High School. He received a bachelor of science from Southeast Missouri State University, a masters in education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a specialist degree in education from Iowa State.

He served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954.

Bill began his career as a coach and secondary teacher. He moved into administration, first as a principal. He was instrumental in starting the first junior college in Iowa and served as a dean there. He retired from education as the superintendent at the Scott City R-1 School District in 1982. He purchased Albrecht Insurance in Scott City in 1984, which became Albrecht Hodges Inc., from which he retired in 2008.

He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Hodges of Jackson; children Mark Hodges of Bonham, Texas, Michele (Rob) Litzelfelner of Jackson, Cherie (Brett) Stembel of Cape Girardeau and Derieck (Maureen) Hodges of Jackson; a brother, James "Bud" (Pat) Hodges of East Prairie; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 13 siblings; a grandson, Alex Hodges; and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Park.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeffrey Sippy officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Full military honors will be provided by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Association or Southeast Health Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.