Donald Lee Hodge

Donald Lee Hodge (Don), a veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on November 28, 2024, in Pocatello. He was surrounded by his loving family. Don was born March 24,1946 in Sevierville, Tennessee to Odie Dolphis Hodge and Willa Mae Shipley and was the youngest of three children. In 1949, Don suddenly lost his father.The following year his family moved across the country to Rexburg, Idaho.

In 1951, Don’s mother married Merlin Liljenquist, a dedicated veteran, who later inspired Don to join the National Guard. He proudly served in the guard for over five years, with one tour overseas. Between 1968-1969, Don was stationed in Vietnam in the Army’s 116th Engineer Corps. This experience had a profound impact on his life. Don was tremendously proud of his family’s service to the country. He was always excited to share stories of his heritage with his children and grandchildren. Don ended his career with FMC Idaho in Pocatello, working there from 1975 – 2001.

He married Susan LaRea Roker in 1966, with whom he had his first son, Storm Don Hodge. They later divorced. In 1970, he married Marcia Anne Griffith and the following year they had a son, Daniel Lee Hodge. They later divorced. In 1976, Don married the love of his life, Arva Jean Warner (Jeanie). They spent 43 years together until her death in 2019. Don would often remark his fondest memories with her were their spontaneous camping adventures. They enjoyed taking road trips to visit historical locations and learning the history there. When they weren’t traveling, they would usually be found in Mackay at Jeanie’s family campground by the river. In his retirement, Don and Jeanie started spending their winters in Arizona. He loved the landscape, especially the 100- year-old cactus on their property.

Don was preceded in death by; his loving wife Jeanie Hodge, stepdaughter Rayola Day, grandson Justin Day, son-in-law Bill Ricken, and his parents Odie Hodge, Willa Mae Liljenquist, and stepfather Merlin Liljenquist. He is survived by his brother David (Joy) Hodge, sister Carolyn Hodge Parker, half-brother Mike (LuAnne) Liljenquist, half-sister Krista (Lyle) Soderquist, sons Storm (Stephanie) Hodge, Danny (WenDee) Hodge, stepdaughters Glenna Tillotson, LaNae (Chris Monson) Ricken, stepsons Johnny (Teri) Brower, Darren Brower, 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, 2555 N. Highway 93, Arco, ID. A viewing will be held for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Mt. McCaleb Cemetery with military honors by the Joe Nowacki American Legion post.