Video Tribute

Thomas M. Hodges   Thomas Marion Hodges, 87, of Mexico, died at 4:45 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico. Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 11, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home with the Rev. David Nash officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 until 7 p.m.  There will be a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park. He was born August 31, 1921, in rural Vandalia, and grew up south of Perry. He was the first son of H. Clifton Hodges and Nellie Fern (Hull) Hodges of Perry. Dr. Hodges was a veteran serving in the Navy at Pearl Harbor from 1942 through 1945. Upon his discharge from the Navy he finished dental school at Washington University in St. Louis. On June 21, 1951, in St. Louis, he married Jo Ann Carmichael who preceded him in death on October 16, 1987. He practiced dentistry for over 50 years. During that time he also owned a cattle ranch north of Mexico. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Lick Creek Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Royal Order of the Jesters, Little Dixie Shrine, where he was a Life Member, Tiger Shrine Club, and he served as Potentate of Moolah Temple of Eastern Missouri in 1986. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren; talking with friends, fishing and reading. He lived a long and productive life and touched the lives of so many people through his work. He is survived by one son Robbie Hodges and wife Cindi, Mexico; two brothers, Cliff Hodges and wife Paula, and Marvin Hodges and wife Dorothy, all of Perry; four grandchildren, Patrick A. Talbott and wife, Karen R., Columbia, Amanda Hodges Tanner, Mexico, Tim (R. T.) Hodges, Mexico, and Micheal T. Hodges and wife Fran, Chengdu, China; and one great-grandson, Asa A. Talbott, Columbia. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by one son, Bruce C. Hodges and a daughter-in-law, Nikki Hodges, two brothers, Bob and Don Hodges, and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy Tom was the best-ever dentist for our entire family for at least 50 years; he was a friend to us, as well. We share your sorrow. Joyce Harold Our deepest sympathy is expressed to the Tom Hodges family. He will be remembered for the many good things he did for the Shriners and the St Louis Unit Hospital and The Directors Staff.. Don and Jane Gruner of Moolah Temple Directors Staff Unit and "TCAA" (Temple Charity and Activities Association). Eldon and Earl Benus of Mexico, Mo (Sons of Elmer and Dorothy Benus--also deceased). We enjoyed his company on many of his Shrine Trips. Dr Tom was a pleasure to enjoy his soft spoken manner and dry humor. He was a good and faithful servant to the Shrine and the Shriners Hospital. We will miss him. John and Juanita Hewitt I enjoyed Dr. Tom as the man that was to succed me as head of the shrine in 1986 There was never AZ doubt that the shrine and all his friends will miss such a great person. Boyle O. Rodes Jr. Pickering Funeral Home extends our sympathy to the family and friends of Doc Hodges. We are honored they have allowed us to assist them during this time.

Private Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at office@pickeringfh.com  
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