Theora "Theo" F. Hodgson, Sr.

Theora “Theo” F. Hodgson, Sr., 89, of Kilbourne, passed away at 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 30, 1932, in Kilbourne, Illinois to Alvin Thomas and Dessie Mabel (Bahl) Hodgson. He married Bridget Marie McCue in Kingsland, Georgia on March 16, 1956. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2008.

He enlisted in the Navy at the early age of 17 and loyally served his country for over 13 years. During his naval career he served as an aircraft mechanic and was trained to build and program flight simulators. He also served on the Shore Patrol for Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. While stationed at Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville Beach, FL, he met the love of his life. In their 53 years together they were blessed with a large, loud, and loving family. Theo helped raise his children with patience, discipline, and humility with a strong dose of work ethic. He was kind and soft-spoken and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem no matter how small. He enjoyed antiquing, Sunday afternoon NASCAR races, playing cards at the Nature Center, and spending time with family and friends.

Upon leaving the service, he came back to Kilbourne to work at the family sawmill. He was very devoted to his family and the community and served in several volunteer and elected positions such as Kilbourne Chief of Police, Mason County Chapter of the Civil Defense (now known as FEMA), Village of Kilbourne Trustee, Kilbourne Volunteer Fire Department, and Kilbourne Township Supervisor. He was a member of the Kilbourne Baptist Church.

Theo is survived by his children: Mary (Fred) Belke of Elkhart, Illinois; Theora (Kristy) Hodgson, Jr. of Chandlerville, Illinois; Virginia (Manny Adelu) Hodgson of Roanoke, Illinois; Thomas (Lynn) Hodgson of Kilbourne, Illinois; Terri (Randy) Shawgo of Petersburg, Illinois; and Calvin (Joy) Hodgson of Kilbourne, Illinois. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two brothers, David (Paula) Hodgson of Petersburg, Illinois, and Gary (Karen) Hodgson of Kilbourne, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son (Hal Hodgson), sister (Catherine Smith), and brother (John Hodgson).

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., July 9, 2022, at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Mike Hopps will officiate. Interment will be at Kilbourne Cemetery following the service. VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 will provide military detail.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Hodgson’s name to the Kilbourne Fire Department or the Havana Nature Center. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.