John A. Hodge Jr.

Mr. Hodge was born October 29, 1918 in Denver, Colorado. He lived in Colorado Springs from 1978 to 2009 when he returned to Denver. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jean Hodge, of Denver. Also surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Shearer, two grandchildren, Whitney Shearer and James Shearer, all of Denver.

Mr. Hodge graduated from South Denver High School and received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado. During college he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi social fraternity, and his scholarship was recognized by Tau Beta Pi. His professional career included 33 years with The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, 5 years with Johns Manville Corporation in Denver and 6 years with Colorado Interstate Gas Company (El Paso Natural Gas) in Colorado Springs. His work with these corporations included projects in the United States and around the world. These assignments included family moves to Japan, Italy and The Netherlands. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in the states of Colorado and Michigan. During World War II he was part of the mobilization effort in the area of magnesium production at Dow.

Boy Scouts Of America was John's major lifetime community service. He participated in Boy Scouts for over 40 years, as a boy and as an adult. In Denver he became an Eagle Scout and was a leader in his Troop. In Michigan , he served as a Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chairman, District Commissioner and District Chairman. In 1960 he received the Silver Beaver Award for service to Scouting.

Throughout his life he was keenly interested in Photography, Fishing, Golf, Travel and Bridge.

He was active in the affairs of the First Baptist Church, both in Denver and Midland. He was active in the Midland Lions Club for over 20 years, including a term as President. Also, he was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for over 50 years and served his local chapter in Michigan in various capacities. In Colorado Springs, he was a member of the Argonauts, a retired men's social club, and was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church.