Richard Hodges

Delmon "Papa" Hodges passed away at the age of 94 in his hometown of Fort Stockton, Texas. Papa was the patriarch of a large family, all of whom loved him dearly.

Born to Powell and Edna Hodges on August the 9th, 1927, Delmon married his wife, Vida, in 1954. Delmon joked that "he'd been married so long he couldn't remember the last time he was happy," but over the next 67 years Mama and Papa cultivated a wonderful family: four children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great granddaughters. Delmon was also loved by numerous nieces, nephews, and very-dear friends.

Everyone who's anyone knew that Delmon's first love was politics. He was the first Republican elected in Pecos County and a chairman of the Pecos County Republican Party. He was the Deputy Tax Assessor, County Clerk, and also a County Judge-all while being a successful land man. At business, he was a master; at service, he was even better. He had a servant's heart and feet to match. He would volunteer at the Panther's concession stand and Meals on Wheels, and he'd give anything he had to anyone in need. It's no surprise that Delmon collected more honors than can fit on this page (or ten more). He was a Mason, Shriner, Lion, and member of the Chamber of Commerce. He won awards from the AAPL and United Way. And he was Fort Stockton's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Hodges is preceded in death are his parents, daughter, Hillary Hodges, brothers Bill Hodges and Jim Hodges, stepbrother Warden Mayes and stepsister Nancy Cook.

Survivors are his wife of 67 years Vida Hodges, three children: Darren Hodges and wife Nicola, Tanya Gottlich and husband Rob, and Gina Cotton and husband Alan. There are 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Tres Gottlich, Caleb Gottlich, Jon Bradshaw, Zane Hodges, Gage Cotton, Ryan Teel, Wayne Leakes, and A.J. Franco.

He will be sorely missed. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Fort Stockton. Burial to follow at East Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangement are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend.

Memorials can be gifted to the Methodist Church or the Church of Christ in Fort Stockton, or a charity of your choosing.