Stephen Hodges, Sr.

Stephen Wayne Hodges, Sr., 66, of Beaumont, received the best Christmas present ever as he entered into the kingdom of Heaven on Friday, December 22, 2017, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth.

He was born on October 19, 1951, to the late Albert W. Hodges and Doris Hodges Beney. Steve graduated from Forest Park High School and Lamar University. He served his country in the United States Army for 11 years at the rank of Staff Sergeant and later as a recruiter. 

For 21 years, Steve proudly served as the lead HVAC mechanic at the Jack Brooks Federal Courthouse and was well-respected by numerous judges, lawyers and congressmen. He was a 32nd-degree Master Mason for 34 years at the Beaumont Masonic Lodge 286 where he served as Past Master and acting Secretary and helped further the Freemason’s motto of “taking a good man and making him better.”  Steve was also a member of OES Wisteria Chapter 823 in Beaumont.

Steve enjoyed fishing, ministering his Christian faith to others, telling one-liner jokes, singing silly songs, and spending time with his family, friends, neighbors, and Masonic brothers. He proudly completed his “bucket list” this past June when he was recognized for his retirement at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Charlotte Davis Hodges; daughter, Misty Hodges Rollinson (“Puggie”) and her husband, Jason, and grandchildren, Lauren and JJ; son, Stephen W. Hodges, Jr. (“Little Steve”) and grandchildren, Logan and Katie; sisters, Jeane Russell-St. Clergy, Katherine Nix, Patricia Hodges, and Elizabeth Juvenois and husband Tad; brother-in-law, Jesse Nix; extended family, Kristian Newby and Pam Humphrey, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather, Ben Beney.

A gathering of Mr. Hodges’ family and friends will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major, Beaumont. His Celebration of Life/Homegoing will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017, at Dwelling Place Church of God, 650 West Freeway, Vidor, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship program for the Beaumont Masonic Lodge No. 286, 8110 Phelan, Beaumont, Texas, 77706.