Donald G. Hodge, 84 of Kouts, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024. He was born August 3, 1939 in Pemberton, West Virginia. Don was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and made his career with his wife, Donna, as a missionary for 45 years. They planted churches and did Christian mission work in Canada, Cuba, Mongolia and the United States. Steadfast in his commitment to the Great Commission, in his later years, Bro Hodge became a team member of firstBible International whose main focus is to provide Scriptures for Bibleless people groups. This struck a chord in Bro. Don’s heart as he desired to help the Unreached know the Lord Jesus. Using his natural audacious personality and a vast number of ministry connections, he spent his remaining days to raise awareness for the very worthy cause of making Christ known. Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who well be greatly missed.
On May 1, 1962 Don married Donna Neumann who preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by his children, Sherry (Matthew) Gauler, Laurie (Randy) Lively, and Steven (Ruth) Hodge; grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Kortze, Jacob Gauler, Randi (Zach) Smith-Steward, Kurtis Lively, Kristi (Alex) Thatcher, and Jeremiah, Kaylea, Karianne, Karesse and Josiah Hodge; great granddaughter, Kayin Smith-Steward; sister, Shelby Putansu ; and brother, Ronald (Barbara) Hodge. Don was also preceded in death by his mother, Alice Stevens-Johnson and father, Grant Stevens.
Following a private burial at Graceland Cemetery, Kouts, a Celebration of Life will be held with visitation from 10:30-11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 769 W. 800 S., Hebron with the celebration of life beginning at 11:00 AM. A meal and time of fellowship will be provided afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of NWI.
GUESTBOOK
Praying for my cousins as they learn to live with dad in Heaven! Love you all. Thankful Uncle Don and my precious Aunt Donna are together again. -Kim Kruchkow
To the family and friends of Don, It was a wonderful privilege to meet Don and many of you through his days and weeks here at VSV. What a great servant of the Lord was his passion. We are so sorry, like you, to lose him from this earthly home, but rejoice with you for his new eternal life in heaven with Jesus. We are thankful for our time spent with Preacher Don, his family, and his ever-faithful and loving friendship with Barry. -Fred and Sandy Taylor, Valparaiso Senior Village
