Ronald Hodges

He was born on January 22, 1941, to the late John and Irene Hodges.

Ron grew up in Sikeston where he met and married Anita in 1963 at Little Vine Baptist Church.

While living in Sikeston, Ron served in the National Guard and they attended Murray Lane Baptist Church where they raised their two children, Cheryl and Greg.

Among other odd jobs such as painting and handyman work, Ron worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 38 years and retired in 2000. After retirement, he and Anita continued to live in Sikeston until 2016 when they moved to Newburgh, IN to be closer to family.

Ron loved to travel, watch the Cardinals, play games, do puzzles, eat snacks, spend time with his wife and grandchildren (as long as they weren’t too loud), and piddle around the house working on random things.

In his later stages of life, dementia took hold of his mind, but he never lost his witty spirit.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Anita; brother-in-law and sister Fred and Margaret Dittman; and brother Jerald Hodges.

He is survived by his daughter Cheryl (Kevin) Kerr; son Greg (Teri) Hodges; brother Bob (Ruth) Hodges; sister Carol (Troy) Davidson; and brother Keith (Jo Ann) Hodges. Ron was known as Papa by his 12 grandchildren, their spouses, two great-grandchildren, and other friends of the family: Alex (Sarah) and Raylynn Kerr; Abby (Zac) and Lettie Frobeter; Alia, Amelia, Alayna, Abram, Adam, and Analise Kerr; Carter (Summer) Hodges, Mason, and Sophia Hodges; and Jalen Scott

The family would like to thank Walnut Creek Memory Care in Evansville, IN for the excellent care they provided over the past few months. The grace and dignity they showed Ron in his last days was unmatched and will not be soon forgotten.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, MO with Tim Green, officiating.

Fond memories of sympathy and expressions may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Hodges family.