Dennis James Hodges, age 88, of Granbury, Texas, peacefully transitioned into the arms of his Lord on January 4, 2025. Born on May 11, 1936, in Portales, New Mexico, to Ben William and Watie Vida (Cole) Hodges, Dennis’s family moved to the Lohn, Texas, valley area just two weeks after his birth, shaping his lifelong affection for the state. He often expressed his pride by saying, “I got to Texas as fast as I could!” Dennis’ love for family and Texas was at the core of who he was. He grew up in the Lohn Valley area, graduating from Lohn High School in 1954. In 1955 he entered the U.S. Army. He was very proud of his service in the Army. He earned his associate degree from Tarleton State University in Agriculture.
Dennis dedicated over 34 years with a distinguished career at the Texas State Health Department as a Meat Safety Assurance Inspector and Supervisor. After retirement from the state of Texas, he earned his real estate license. His commitment to service extended beyond retirement as he embraced the role of a bus driver for the Midland and Granbury Independent School Districts for a decade, making a meaningful impact on many young lives. Dennis devoted himself to the Lohn Valley Improvement Association and served as a member of the Lohn Protective Association. He belonged to the Lohn Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Lohn Independent School Board. Dennis could be found announcing for the Lohn Eagles High School Football team during football season. He was endlessly volunteering his time to family, friends, and the community in many ways. He was very well known everywhere he went and greatly cherished by neighbors and friends. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman and dedicated himself to welding and woodworking. He generously offered his time and skills to help everyone he knew. Family and friends received unique gifts made from his welding and woodworking creations. His gardens reflected his nurturing spirit and love for the land.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Carolyn Joyce Hodges; his sister, Carla Jo Holder; his three children: Leslie Hodges and spouse Marjorie, and his “bonus children”, Brent Moore and spouse Recy, and Lisa Albright and spouse Del. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Jamie Dove and spouse Ryan with their children Morgan, Addison, and Brody; Hayden Dorsett and spouse Kristen with daughter Catherine; Megan Hodges; and Emily Santiago and spouse Daniel; “bonus grandchildren”, Corey Bledsoe and spouse Stephanie; Kylie Morris and spouse Brian and their children, Kayson and Guinevere; Meagan Moore, Daniel Moore, and Collin Moore. He is also cherished by his nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jimmie and spouse Sherrie, and his cherished daughter, Denise Dorsett.
His life serves as a beacon of inspiration to all who knew him, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, service, and craftsmanship.
Graveside services for Dennis James Hodges will be at 11:00am, February 14, 2025 at the Marion Cemetery in Lohn, Texas. The family requests with appreciation, love, and honor that memorial contributions, in memory of Dennis, be made to your choice: the Lohn Valley Improvement Association, P.O. Box 183, Lohn, Texas 76852; Lohn Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 248, Lohn, Texas 76852; or the Marion Cemetery, 4220 W. FM 765, Lohn, Texas 76852.