Robert Francis Hodge

Robert Francis Hodge was born in Elk Creek Pa, to James Thomas and DeEtta Louise Kreider, (one of eventually 15 children). Robert was adopted by Watson Harmond and Mary Odessa Hodge, of Niceville, Florida, where he was raised as an only child.

He loved hunting, fishing, and hanging around Boggy Bayou. He graduated from Choctawhatchee High School. He married Barbara Lee Sullivan Shackelford and they had two daughters, Pamela Angelique, and Cassandra Dawn. He joined the US Navy and served on the USS ESSEX. He also attended vocational school, worked civil service on Eglin AIr Force Base, worked maintenance at Cremette's Pasta, and Show Low hospital.

He moved to Ft Worth, Texas, then to Phoenix, and then to Concho in the White Mountains of Arizona.

Robert and Barbara joined the local GPAA club, where they made many good friends and had lots of fun adventures.

Robert was a man of good moral character, he valued God, Family, and Country.

We have so many wonderful memories of our father. Whether we were hiking through the woods to pick our mother beautiful bouquets, swimming and fishing at Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf, or riding bicycles on 23rd Street, our Father was there for us girls.

One year we took in a sweet family whose house burned down, at Christmas. He taught us to care for others.

We attended several churches over the years. He made sure we had a good foundation.

Dad would drive all over the county to collect and care for all manner of livestock for the church live nativity. One year he earned a few broken ribs from a sheep. There were goats, pigs, geese, a mule and even a camel a couple of years. One year we even had a lamb born on Christmas day.

Dad never complained, through all the work, and ups and downs, he was usually smiling or laughing. He loved to make people laugh, and goof around.

Mom and Dad were blessed. they loved each other from the beginning to the end. It was so hard on him when we lost her. He was ready to go home.

Robert Hodge has 7 grand children; Nicholas, Christopher, Alex, Samuel, Joseph, Kimberly, and Benjamin;And one great grand daughter, Jasey-Rae Matilda.