Kirk Hodges, formerly of Llano, died April 20, 2016

Kirk Hodges, surrounded by his wife and three boys, joined hands with Jesus and was escorted to heaven on April 20, 2016 in Luling.

Known as Kirk, “Hon,” Dad, Grandad, son, baby brother, Uncle Kirk and friend, he is now surrounded by his father, Alton “Grandaddy Hodges,” his mother, Myrtle “Nan,” his stepfather, Jim Furr “Daddy” and “Pa,” his brother, Alton “Sandy,” his sister Jerree and his daughter, Tammy.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Hodges of Luling; sons Stan Hodges of Hull, Chad Hodges of Helotes and Bret Hodges and wife Christi of Spring Branch; grandchildren, Dylan Hodges (17), Alton Hodges (14), Ashleigh Hodges (13) and Dalton Hodges (8); and sisters Erwinna Fain of Llano and Elaine Fowler of Rotan.

Kirk’s parents, Alton and Myrtle, were raising three young children, Erwinna, Sand, and Elaine, when Alton was drafted during World War II. Deployed to the Philippines, he soon would learn from one of his many love letters from Myrtle that they were expecting their fourth child, Kirk. Alton gave the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life defending his country from the greatest tyranny known in history, and therefore would never hold his baby boy.

Born and raised in Llano, Kirk grew up loving the outdoors. He spent much of his time raising pigs and hunting coons with his brother-in-law Dewey Fain and his sidekick dog Tinkerbell. Well-liked by many friends, he was especially close to Frosty Miller, who remained a lifelong friend.

Kirk graduated from Llano High School in 1964 where he excelled in football, basketball and track. Kirk’s mile relay team held the school record for many years, one that wouldn’t be broken until the team of his nephews, Kevin Fain and Craig Hodges, did so in the 1970s. His sprint relay team also set the school record that remains to this day.

He married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Nalls on May 22, 1964. They attended Sul Ross University in Alpine and graduated from college in 1967. He went on to receive his master’s degree in corrective therapy from Eastern Washington State University in 1969.

Kirk, inspired by his father’s own sacrifice, dedicated his career to working with veterans and fostering peace and hope to those who served their country. He spent 27 years working in the medical field as a corrective therapist and later served as the coordinator of rehab medicine at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio before his retirement in 2000. He was elected the president of the American Corrective Therapy Association in 1976 and received the Outstanding Corrective Therapy Award from the national association in 1977.

Kirk, having never known his biological father, was especially dedicated to being a dad to his and Dianne’s three boys. He instilled character, values and leadership, which would become his legacy. Kirk spent much of his time actively coaching his sons in their early years while they played football, basketball and baseball both in Tennessee and in Boerne, Texas. He and Dianne would stay very involved in their boys’ lives as they became men. They constantly attended sporting events coached by his sons Stan and Bret and even became actively involved with many players and other coaches on their respective teams. Kirk also had the opportunity to work with his son Chad for a couple of years at the VA before his retirement.

As the years passed and as grandchildren came along, Kirk and Dianne became known as Gramma and Grandad. They enjoyed their lives chasing their grandkids and attending their sporting events. Grandad loved bonding and sharing his love of ranching and the great outdoors with his grandchildren.

His love for others went well beyond his immediate family as he cherished his nieces, nephews and countless extended family and friends.

Kirk and Dianne were blessed with 52 wonderful years of marriage.   

Pallbearers are sons Stan Hodges, Chad Hodges and Bret Hodges, grandsons Dylan Hodges, Alton Hodges and Dalton Hodges and best friend Frosty Miller

Written from the heart by his three sons:

“When you were born,

you cried and the world rejoiced.

You lived your life so when you died

the world cried and you rejoiced.”

— Cherokee

Sent to Kirk by dear friend, Bob Potter

A memorial service is 4:30 p.m. April 23 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300, with Dennis Raesner officiating. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda, MD 20814; Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.