Harold Hodge

Harold R. Hodge, 89, went home to be with the Lord at 9:15 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the Alton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after a short battle with health issues.He was born in Alton on Aug. 10, 1923, the son of the late Bijah & Anna (Hausmann)Hodge.Harold graduated from Alton High School, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corp. in 1942.  He became a Staff Sergeant, serving with the Marine Bombing Squadron 611, an aerial gunner earning the highest honors bestowed upon a Marine, The Flying Cross, having flown 42 missions with dog, Dixie, and earning the nickname "Lucky" by his flight crews.  After serving his country honorably for four years, he returned home and married Dorothy DeSherlia, daughter of the late Ross & Marie DeSherlia of Grafton, in 1948.Harold & Dorothy were well known throughout Grafton, owning and operating Harold & Dot's Tavern, H&H Sales, Hodge's Auction and Grocery Store. He also was employed at Abbott's Machine Shop in Alton, and retired in 1986 from National Marine Service.  In addition, Harold also served numerous terms as a Grafton City Councilman, and was an instrumental part of getting the Great River Road completed to Grafton from Alton.At the time of his death, he was the oldest member of the Grafton American Legion Post 648, was a member of the Alton Eagles 503, VFW Post 1308 of Alton, and the Alton Motorboat Club.Harold & Dorothy were married for 24 years, 11 months and 17 days prior to her death in 1972.  Together, they had seven children; five of whom survive, Paula & Jerry Rulo and Joyce & Bill Hurst all of Grafton, Joe & Teresa Hodge of Dow, Penny & Javen Hayes and Jeff & Lisa Hodge all of Jerseyville; 17 Grandchildren; 27 Great Grandchildren; and two sisters, Sarah Chestnut of Bunker Hill and Shirley Armstrong of Grafton.Harold later married Joan Wallace and was stepfather to five children, Paula, Gail, Craig, Vicky & Kim Wallace.Harold later had a special lady friend, Vera Bock for 15 years before his passing in 2002, and also was blessed with a set of twin girls that called him "Grandpa", Megan French & Michelle French Pulaski.In 2002, God sent Harold and "angel", Evelyn Porter.  They met to the song, "May I Have This Dance" and she brought much joy and happiness to him dancing, traveling, playing bingo and trips to the Argosy Casino.  Together they shared many happy days together.Harold loved his family tremendously, with the numerous gatherings, new babies, boating, fishing, bowling and duck hunting.  He was truly blessed with a wonderful life and will be truly missed by many.He was preceded in death by his father, Bijah Hodge; his mother and loving stepfather, Anna & Joe Arnold; an infant son, Dale; an infant daughter, Cheryl; and a sister, Vera Womack.Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday.  Rev. Charles Schwab will officiate.Burial will be in the Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton, with the Grafton American Legion Post 648 conducting military graveside rites.Memorials may be given to the Grafton American Legion Post 648

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home