Thomas William Hodson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Thomas William Hodson, on January 17, 2025. Tom was born in Peru, Indiana, to Herbert William Hodson and Beverly Ann Miller on October 26, 1950.

Seeking warmer weather and an easier way of life, Tom’s family moved to Hollywood Beach, Florida in 1958. It was there that Tom developed his love of the outdoors, and his sense of adventure ignited. This sense of adventure continued when he moved his young family to the Florida Keys in the late 1970s.

In his youth, Tom’s father would often pull his son out of school for impromptu fishing expeditions to Bimini, and on many other fun and sometimes perilous boating adventures. In the summers, Tom and his family traveled with the family fudge concession business to work at fairs and festivals throughout Indiana and Kentucky. Tom cherished these summers with his family and learned the ins and outs of the concession industry.

After high school, Tom worked with his father in the fudge business until purchasing Hodson’s Homestyle Fudge from his father in 1977. His illustrious career in the concession industry spanned more than six decades.

Tom lived his life to the absolute fullest and he taught his children, Holly and Josh, to do the same. His quest for adventure was unbridled, and he often recounted colorful stories: sailing to Cuba, caribou hunting in Alaska, salmon fishing in the Arctic, spontaneous motorcycle trips throughout the US, annual trips on the Coral Sea to Shark River for 34 years straight, catching a White Marlin on fly in Venezuela, deer hunting at the ranch in Texas, and his greatest adventure; acting as the rigging foreman on a scientific diving expedition in the Dominican Republic jungle that was featured on the Discovery Channel.

Up until his passing, Tom was an active member in the National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) since 1993. He was a long-time board member and led the organization as President from 2009-2010. In 2022, he was inducted in the NICA Hall of Fame. Most recently, he served as trustee on the NICA Foundation board where he established the Masonic Band of Brother’s Visionary Scholarship. He served on the IAFE board as an Associate Member. Tom’s uncanny ability to attract new members to the organization was second to none, and he often coached board members on how to do the same. Tom was intensely passionate about NICA’s mission, and it is evident in his long-time commitment to the organization.

In many respects, Tom was a renaissance man much like his dad. He was mechanically inclined and loved working with his hands. These qualities allowed him to dabble in a myriad of profitable endeavors, which served him well during difficult times. He was most proud of his design for a self-contained beverage stand in the exact shape of a soda can, for which he was issued US patent number Des. 298,857 in 1988.

Tom’s parents were firm believers in supporting the community in which they reside, and they instilled these same values in their children. Tom exhibited these qualities time and again throughout his entire life. In his youth, he earned his Eagle Scout badge, as a married father of two, he became a 32nd Degree Mason, and later on, while living in the Keys, he became a volunteer firefighter for the Tavernier Volunteer Fire Department. Over the course of his life he has mentored, coached, and supported many young adults, all of whom remained in contact with him throughout his life.

Tom is predeceased by his parents Herbert and Beverly Hodson and sister Marilyn Eby. He is survived by his children Holly Elomina (Donnie), Joshua Hodson (Amy), life partner Ann Menchen and her daughter Molly, sisters Peg Richardson and Susan Mick, grandchildren DJ, Ashli, Jake (Lauren), and Jade Elomina, former wives Brenda Monroe and Karen Snyder, god-daughter, Tana Carson (Wyatt), and numerous nieces, nephews, and great grandkids. He also leaves behind many cherished lifelong friends from Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana and beyond.

The family wishes to thank the entire ICU care team at Tampa General Hospital–Crystal River who went above and beyond to ensure Tom had the highest level of care, and for that, we are beyond grateful.

There was nothing more important to Tom than his family and friends, and we know he wouldn’t want us to mourn, but to honor his life. On February 22nd we will have a celebration of life at Tom’s shop in Homosassa and everyone is welcome. Additional details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the newly established Thomas Hodson Scholarship at the NICA Foundation at 1043 E. Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, FL 33511. Please note Thomas Hodson Scholarship in the memo.