David E. Hodges

David E. Hodges, 79, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Angola, Indiana died peacefully early in the morning Monday, March 17, 2025, in the comfort of his wife’s presence.

His life began May 9, 1945 in Pontiac, Michigan the elder of two sons born to Elwin and Mary Hodges.  He married Jean Radaford April 29, 1967 in Waterford, Michigan.

Dave was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Michigan and Ohio and spent most of his career as an embalming specialist, setting the standard for restorative art.  A Co-Founder of the Michigan Embalmers Society, he looked for opportunities to both advance his practice as well as mentor men and women entering his beloved profession.  Dave took great delight in getting to know anyone who crossed his path, genuinely interested in learning about people and delighting in sharing his Christian faith with everyone.  

David will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife of almost fifty-eight years, Jean Hodges; three sons, David (Pamela) Hodges, Jr., Daniel Hodges, the Reverend Jonathan (Kathleen) Hodges; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Hodges, AJ Hodges, Matthew Hodges, Janet Hodges, and Audrey Hodges.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, the Reverend Kenneth Hodges.

Family and friends will gather, Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 1801 North Main Street, Auburn, Indiana with the Reverend Jonathan Nack officiating.

David will be laid to rest near his family Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in a Graveside Service in White Chapel Memorial Cemetery, 621 West Long Lake Road, Troy, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions in memory of David be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Organ Fund, 1801 North Main Street, Auburn, Indiana 46706, or the Reverend Dr. H. G. Allwardt Seminarian Endowment Fund, c/o LCMS Foundation, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis, Michigan. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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