Rev. Aubrey Donald Hodges

Aubrey Donald Hodges, 94, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Don was born on August 30, 1931, in Martinsville, Virginia to the late Thomas Clarence and Lera Rebbecca Hodges. He married Kathleen Elaine Hodges (deceased) on November 28, 1957.

Don earned a master’s degree in divinity from Asbury College, and a second master's in counseling from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. In 1957 he married the love of his life, Katie, creating a fulfilling, adventurous life together for 63 years, until her death in 2021. His career as a United Methodist minister began with a circuit of small churches in Ohio, and he was featured as a young minister in the pages of Life Magazine. Don was a beloved leader, and helped grow his 4 pastoral charges in Brewster, NY, Hyde Park, NY, Westport, CT, and Devon, England. In each appointment, he was celebrated as a spiritual and community leader. After returning from England, he and Katie settled happily in New Bern, NC where he was active in the Centenary United Methodist Church. He had many skills and interests during his life including furniture refinishing, home renovation, bottle collecting, and fishing. Don loved spending time at the family cabin on Lake St. Catherine in Wells Vt. He and Katie were avid travelers and enjoyed many international trips, often with other family members.

He is survived by 3 children, daughter, Laurelyn Cropek (Johanna), of Champaign, Illinois, son, Drew Hodges (Peter), of Palm Springs, California, and son Brett Hodges (Claudia), of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, grandson, Cameron Cropek (Molly), granddaughters, Evan Cropek, Ana Hodges, Jean Hodges, and great granddaughter Ivy Cropek.

The family would like to thank those involved in his care over the past four years, particularly his helpers from Assisting at Home, and friends from Centenary United Methodist Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, October 24th, 2025, in the chapel at Centenary United Methodist Church at 10 am., with a reception to follow, 309 New Street, New Bern, NC 28560. The service can be streamed at www.centenarychurch.com. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory, 2201 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28560, (252) 637-8131.