John David Hodge, Jr. was born October 2, 1935 in Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California to Mary Ann (nee Mason) Hodge and John David Hodge, who was then in the United States Navy Fleet in the Pacific. He is predeceased by Mary Ann (10/24/2003) and John (07/04/1999).
John is survived by his wife, Melina; three children: Karla Kay of Georgetown, TX, Teresa Anne Thornton of Arlington, TX, and Mark David Hodge (Kathleen) of Phoenix, AZ; eight grandchildren: Carl Gayhart, Amy Gayhart, Jessica (Jestin) Hashop, Amanda Thornton, Christopher (Lisa) Hodge, Joanna Hodge, Adam Hodge, and Aaron Hodge; two great grandchildren: Jestin Hashop, Jr. and Benjamin Hashop; sister Anne Marie Fisher of Fletcher, NC and brother Arnold (Pete) Hodge (Dorian) of Texarkana, AR; three nieces: Susanne Fisher, Cynthia (Bill) Lee, Jennifer Hodge; and two deceased nephews: Lynn Beasley and Shaun (Stacy) Hodge.
John graduated Texarkana Senior High School in June of 1953. He was a part of the Co-op program at New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (NMA & MA) in Las Cruces, New Mexico 1954-1957 (now NMSU). He earned a Bachelor's of Mathematics from Southern Methodist University February of 1991. The period at NMA & MA resulted in indoctrination in digital computing and early rocket technology.
On December 26, 1956, in St. Genevieve's Catholic Church in Las Cruces, John wed the prettiest green-eyed Bachelors graduate on campus, Melina Gutierrez, not realizing the union would eventually travel the world after raising their children. The couple is very proud and honored by the hard work and dedication which has so far resulted in college degrees for the couples' three children and all of their adult grandchildren.
In June, 1957 John and Melina moved to Dallas, Texas where he first worked for Remington Rand Univac and then the Magnolia Petroleum Company Field Research Laboratory (FRL) then situated on Duncanville Road. This experience started him on a path to becoming a research geophysicist, specializing in using digital data to search for petroleum reserves. When all three children were in college, they traveled to Saudi Arabia on loan to ARAMCO from Mobil Oil Corporation for technical support. The six-year exciting adventure enabled the family to move forward to retirement from Mobil in 1992. John consulted in the information technology field until retirement in 2010.
The funeral Mass and inurnment will be at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 5100 Plano Parkway West Plano, Texas 75093, on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 11am. Refreshments to follow at the St. James Hall on the premises.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's memory to:
Catholic Charities Dallas, 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane Dallas, Texas 75247, Phone: 866.223.7500 https://ccdallas.org/donate/
Sisters of St. Benedict at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, Phoenix, Arizona, 501C3 Status Tax ID 86-0858480 8502, W. Pinchot Ave Phoenix, AZ 85037, 623-848-9608 www.olgmonastery.com and click on the Donate button.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ted Dickey West Funeral Home.
January 5, 2018
Karen Sitzberger
My prayers of condolences are offered for all of John's family. I only knew of him through his son, Mark, a dear friend. I loved reading about his life's adventures and am certain this wonderful spirit was passed on to his family. May the blessings of our Lord be with you all during this time of transition . Peace be with you.
December 25, 2017
william briscoe
Hello Aunt Melina
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle John. We (especially me) have fond memories of him and he was always good to us. I especially remember the aircraft/rocket models he gave me on a visit to Grandma's when I was in the 3rd Grade...he was really Good at making them. I haven't been a very good nephew but our prayers are with him...God Bless!
December 21, 2017
Wendy Johansen
Dear Mark & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you will feel peace and comfort during this difficult time. Even though I never met him I hold dear my friendship with Mark and imagine his goodness is a reflection of what he was taught by loving parents. May you hold dear your happy memories and have faith and hope of one day being with him again.
December 20, 2017
Michelle Hurn
Mark, so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please let your sisters and mom know that you are all in my prayers. I have such fond memories of all you from our childhood years and how sweet your dad always was to me. God bless you and your family during this difficult time but know that your dad is in a better place now. Much love to all of you, Michelle Reeb Hurn
December 20, 2017
Sherie Reeb
So sorry for your loss Mark. May God bless you and your family during this time and loving memories abound. Love, Sherie Reeb
December 19, 2017
Mike and Karen McManus
Mark we are very sorry for your loss. Those we love never truly leave us, they'll live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives. May perpetual light shine upon him.
December 19, 2017
Stacy Hodge
Your dad was always kind to us and I am so glad to have been a small part of his life. He was blessed with a great family that loved him and will miss him greatly. I am glad he had a personal walk with our Lord and savior. We will see him again in heaven.
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