HODGE, Ezell 1928-2012

HODGE, RUTH, DAVIS

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 8/16/2012 at 18:33:14

WATERLOO, IOWA — Ezell Hodge, 83, of Waterloo, died Monday, June 18, in Waterloo.

He was born October 2, 1928, in Ackerman, Mississippi, the son of George and Jessie Davis Hodge. He married Annie Ruth. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Hodge share-cropped a large acreage and worked in a saw mill in Mississippi. He worked for John Deere in Waterloo for 34 years as a head operator in the M Foundry and a trucker for departments 12 and 60, retiring in 1982. He also was an auto mechanic and provided lawn care services, with a fleet of John Deere riding mowers, to many clients in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, retiring a second time at age 77.

He is survived by five daughters, Rosalyn J. Middleton and Veronica L. Walton, both of Waterloo, Ruth V. (Charlie) Pettes of Aurora, Colo., Jessie R. Nicholson of Woodbury, Minn., and Georgia A. Hodge of Cedar Falls; two sons, Ezell Jr. of Waterloo and Jerry D. (Juel) Hodge of Mesa, Ariz.; a sister, Bernice (L.C.) Ledbetter of Weir, Miss.; a special friend, Doris Campbell; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors; and a brother and special friend, Archie L. Lillis Sr.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry; two brothers, George and Everett; and five sisters, Mattie Robinson, Mae Willie Hodges, Ethel Kincaid, Elmeree Robinson and Emma Graves.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Antioch Baptist Church, with burial in Garden of Memories. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the church, and also for an hour before services Monday at the church. Sanders Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Memorials may be directed to the family at 334 Quincy St., Waterloo, where they will be receiving friends.

[Waterloo Courier - June 24, 2012]