Roger Lee Hodge

Roger Lee Hodge of Battle Creek, MI

Roger, age 71, died Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2020 in Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI.

Roger, the son of Lonnie F. and Abbie J. (Thurman) Hodge was born in Hot Springs, VA on July 22, 1949; moved to this area as an infant and was a 1967 graduate of Springfield High School. He served his Country honorably and nobly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was in country with the American Division, Company E of the 46th Infantry as a Sergeant. Roger continued to serve at the Veterans Administration Medical Center of Battle Creek as the Supervisor of the Warehouse, retiring in 2006 after 32 years of faithful service. He enjoyed football and baseball; going to the library; fishing; Starbucks Coffee and walking or having his Furry Friend, Finnigen ride along in the car. Roger was the family's rock, he took care of everyone and made sure we all knew we were loved deeply.

Roger was united in marriage to the former, Valerie L. Paradine in Battle Creek on June 18, 1977. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Val; his daughter, Heather J. Van Ameyden of Battle Creek; his son, Lonnie V. Hodge of Battle Creek; two precious grandsons, Taran and Bryce Van Ameyden; his Chosen Mother, Nancy R. Hodge of Warm Springs, VA; his mother-in-law, Jean Smith of Battle Creek; a ½ sister, Sheila England of Soody Daisy, TN and a ½ brother Jim (Ann) Thurman of TN and many nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; special aunt, Charlotte Trumble and special cousin, Jean Craig.

Due to the government restrictions, the Graveside Service to celebrate Roger's life will be by invitation only on Monday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors and Pastors Cheryl and KC Jones of the Rhema Word Outreach, officiating. The service will be Livestreamed for everyone else and may be viewed by visiting https://vimeo.com/event/234596 or the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roger's honor may be directed to ones favorite Veterans Group or the Rhema Word Outreach. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Roger's family.