Mike Hodges, 58, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on November 22, 2008.
Mike was born in Norman, Oklahoma on November 11, 1950 to William Howard Hodges and Jacque Helen Mayes Hodges. Mike was raised in the Catholic faith and attended school in Norman, Stillwater and graduated high school from Perkins in 1969.
Mike enlisted into the Marines in 1970 becoming Lance Corporal in the fight for America's freedom in the Vietnam War. He served on Recon missions from July of 1970 to May of 1971 receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1*, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Rifle marksman Badge and Letter of Appreciation. Mike received a Citation for superior professional achievement while serving with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. As a Reconnaissance Scout, he displayed outstanding initiative, despite extremely adverse conditions associated with combat environment. Mike participated in several major combat operations, including Operations Imperial Lake, Upshur Stream, Scott Orchard as well as in nineteen long-range reconnaissance patrols.
Mike held several occupations after his service to his country, and was employed by Eagle Test and Balancing in 2001 in Cushing until September of 2008 when his illness kept him from the work and co-workers he loved so well.
On October 3, 2008 Mike married his only love, Donna Turner Judd in Eureka Springs, Arkansas with special, longtime friends Steve, his employer and his wife Susie Barnes at their side. Mike had resigned himself to never marry nor have a family and on this date his life became complete like he had never envisioned it would. He stated on many occasion that he was the luckiest guy in the world, having had a wonderful job, so many friends, a wife and children.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Donna of the home, three step children; Chris Judd of Boston, MA., India Judd of Seattle, WA., and Hunter Judd, Cushing. Other Survivors include one sister, Vicki Hodges of Beaver Dam, WI., God parents; Dick and Teddie Taylor, cousins Cherry Snider of Dandrige, Tenn., Jacque Bagwell of Norman, Ok., niece Tonya Fritchman and husband Wesley, nephew Steve Jr. and wife Lucinda of Beaver Dam, WI., and a host of nieces, nephews and other cousins, long time friend and best buddy, Steve Walker Sr. and wife Pam, special friends - Steve Barnes and wife Susie, close friends Robert Owens and Bob Ferrell, Vietnam war buddy, Gary Ritter, Grady Cole, Wayne Mangold and Roger Thompson , co-workers and host of shuffleboard players and so many friends, simply too numerous to mention.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Memorial services for Mike will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 under the direction of Palmer Marler Funeral Home in the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with Kevin Clouse officiating.
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