Kenneth Ray Hodge

Kenneth Ray Hodge, beloved husband, father, brother, and PaPa, 80, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at his home in Okmulgee. Kenneth spent his final days surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth was born to Ernest and Dessie (Lane) Hodge on December 18, 1932 in Okemah, Oklahoma. Kenneth attended Okemah High School, graduating in 1952. Attending East Central University in Ada, Kenneth graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education. Kenneth taught at Yale Schools while attending Oklahoma State University, where he received his Master’s degree in Education. Kenneth moved to Okmulgee where he taught at Okmulgee High School. In 1968, he began his employment at Oklahoma State Tech as a Vocational Rehab Counselor, retiring from that position in 1986. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Okmulgee. Kenneth was a proud member of several organizations including the Rotary and Okmulgee Lions Club, serving as both President and Lion of the Year. Throughout his life, Kenneth had an abundance of hobbies that included, taking long drives, golf, collecting classic model cars, spending time at his beloved lake home on Lake Eufaula, and Oklahoma State Cowboy football. He spent his Friday nights filming both home and away Okmulgee Bulldog football games, missing only one game in 30 years. Kenneth served as the head of the Oklahoma State University Football Chain Crew for 46 years, missing only a handful of games. He retired from those duties in 2005. His parents, two brothers, Leslie and Vay, and his sister Mary Nell Stewart preceded Kenneth in death. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Venecia, of the home. He is also survived by his two children, daughter Alecia Mitchell and husband Jesse, and son Kendal and wife Beatriz, both from Okmulgee. His is survived by one sister, Ruby Irons, of Okmulgee, Kenneth leaves behind his five beautiful grandchildren: Jacob (13), Jarrett (10), and Emma Gayle Mitchell (4), and Christopher Ray (8) and Laila Hodge (5), all of Okmulgee. Services will be held at The First Baptist Church of Okmulgee on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. with Dr. Dennis Taylor officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Morris Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 1:00 until 6:00 pm Casketbearers will include members of his beloved Oklahoma State Football Chain Crew: Coach Dan Rhodes, Ralph Wilson, George Babb, Tom Dooley, Ed Landers, David Lunow, Gary Lunow, and Larry Williams. Serving as honorary casketbearer is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Benjamin Dozier, United States Army, Germany. The family suggests memorials in his name to the Food for Kids in care of the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee. Funeral services are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at mcclendon-winters.com.

Kenneth Ray Hodge

December 18, 1932 - December 26, 2012