Obituary: Hodge, Kenneth Lewis
Age 83
HODGE,
Kenneth Lewis
(Age 82)
Of Colfax, WA passed away September 28, 2012.
Ken was born October 5, 1929 to Percy and Ila Hodge (Black) in Lewiston, ID.
He lived with his mother’s family in Gifford, ID while his dad worked construc-tion.
Ken recalled riding horseback in the snow to school and having warm bricks in his bed to keep his feet warm.
His family moved to Colfax, WA when he was a young child.
Ken’s love of hunting and fishing began early as he learned these skills from his grandfather.
He excelled in sports at Colfax High and held school records.
After graduating from high school in 1949, Ken attended Eastern Washington University where he played football.
In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served during the Korean War, earning two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and a combat infantry badge.
He discharged from the Army in 1953 as a Platoon Sergeant.
Ken then returned to Colfax where he began working for Ready Mix.
Ken married Maxine Brannan in Colfax on July 22, 1961 where they made their home and enjoyed 44 years of marriage.
Ken drove long haul semi truck out of Montana as well as driving for Palouse area farmers.
The bulk of his career was spent working for Whitman County Grain Growers, from which he retired.
He was well known for treating his truck as if he owned it himself.
He was also a friend to all.
Ken continued his love of hunting, reloading and fishing throughout his life.
The family had many memorable summers at Curlew Lake.
As the children grew, he and Maxine enjoyed following their school activities and sports, especially basketball which included watching their son, Tom, play college basketball.
Ken loved college basketball both live and on TV.
Retirement brought travels in their 5th wheel and some well-earned rest.
With children on East and West coasts, Ken and Maxine had the opportunity to make frequent visits to see their children and grandchildren and see so much of this wonderful country.
Above all, time with family was most important.
Ken lost his beloved Maxine in 2005 to PSP.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruby Myers and brother, George Goldman.
He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Christopherson (Colfax); and son, Tom (Jennie ) Hodge (Blacksburg, VA).
He is also survived by four grandchildren: Ryan Christopherson (Colfax), Abby Penner (Abingdon, VA), Olivia and David Hodge (Blacksburg).
Additional survivors include sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to CurePSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) www.psp.org or Micah’s Backpack c/o St. Michael Lutheran Church, 2308 Merrimac Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Drs.
Bryan Johnson and Govind Singh well as the entire care staff at Whitman Hospital for their compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church Friday, October 5th, at 1:00 P.M. with a graveside service following at the Colfax Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, WA.