Ernie F. Hodge

He was born on December 20, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, to the late Robert Eugene and Shirley Jean (nee Pitts) Hodge.

He lived a life defined by service, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the people around him. A proud Army veteran who served in Vietnam, he loved his country and carried that sense of honor with him throughout his life. He built a long and successful career as the co-owner of Illinois Electric Works, retiring in 2013 after years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to his craft. He was also a proud member of IBEW Local 309 in Collinsville, where he formed lifelong friendships and professional bonds.

A lifetime member of American Legion Post 255 and VFW Post 1117 in Caseyville, he remained deeply connected to the veteran community, always ready with a story, a handshake, or a shared memory. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and spending time outdoors, and he cherished every moment with his grandchildren, who brought tremendous pride and joy into his life. Known for being exceptionally social, he never met a stranger and had a way of turning conversations into connections. He was a philosopher at heart — thoughtful, curious, and always ready to talk about life, the world, or any idea worth exploring.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded by his brothers: John, Robert, and Donald Hodge.

Ernie is survived by his children: Ernie Frank (Janice) Hodge, Jr., and Lindsey Emrich; grandchildren: Ernie III, John, and Bodhi; sister, Martha Young; brother, Jim (Renee) Hodge; numerous nieces and nephews; and good friends, Grant Watkins, Dennis Russell, and Mike Briley.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 9am to 12pm at Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens in Belleville, IL.

Funeral service will follow at 12pm.

Burial will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.