Mike Hodges

Mike Hodges, 81, Peabody, drywall contractor, passed away June 2, 2015, at Newton Medical Center. He was born May 23, 1934, at Sedan to Earl and Bonita (Embree) Hodges.

He spent most of his school years in the Lawrence and Topeka area and graduated from Peabody High School in 1952. After high school, he joined the Navy and spent two years in the fire department at Ream Field Naval Air Station at San Diego, then two years on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Phillippine Sea on a cruise to the Japanese area. His passion was flying, and he worked up to a commercial license.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, “Janie” Janice Baskins, and their children: Beth (Ernie) Medena of Pond Creek, Oklahoma; Ellen (Jim) Schoenthal of Holdrege, Nebraska; Michael (Robin) Hodges of Salina; Preston (Lisa) Hodges of Peabody; and Casey (Gidget) Hodges of Phoenix, Arizona; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Pat. Private services will be held by the family later. Memorials may be made to Post 95 American Legion Peabody Avenue of Flags.