John Thomas Hodge

John Thomas Hodge of Parker, Colorado, died June 14th at the age of 85. He was born November 23, 1940, in Lanett, Alabama to R.B. and Corrie Hodge. John married Claydene Doebelin in 1973 and they just celebrated 53 years of married life. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two sons, Andrew and wife, Olivia, of Germany, and Cameron and wife Heidi of Colorado. He was a proud Grandpa to four grandchildren. Wyatt (12), Colette (10), Harper (10) and Charlotte (8). He loved keeping up with their activities and sporting events and watching them when he could.

John’s love of flying started at an early age flying June bugs tied to thread, making kites from newspaper and building model airplanes. He would ride his bike to his hometown airport just to hang around the pilots and watch the planes. He saved and got his pilot license at an early age, which led to a lifelong career doing what he enjoyed. His aviation career took many unique paths. He flew the San Diego Padres Baseball team to their games for four seasons, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones on their 1981 U. S. concert tour, Ronald Reagan when he was campaigning for President, as well as Mrs. Olive Beech of Beech Aircraft to name a few. He was a pilot for Continental Airlines and later flew all over the world with Polar Air Cargo. When his piloting career ended, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration and served as a Safety Inspector, was on the National Simulator Team and Air Crew Program Manager for the 757/767 fleet for United Airlines until his retirement in 2011. After retirement he became the self-appointed patriarch of the cul-de-sac plowing sidewalks and driveways after snowstorms and mowing any grass he thought needed cutting.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Pickering Funeral Home.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Laddonia Cemetery or Tunnel to Towers. Memorials may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.