Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the Concord Baptist Church, 4411 Concord Rd., with Rev. Lester Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Patrick Cemetery in China Spring, Tx. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 29th at Bellmead Funeral Home.
Dana was born to Robert and Marie (Douthit) Hodges on March 14, 1936. Following the passing of his birth mother, his father married Lillie Castilow, who raised Dana as her own. Dana graduated from Prairie Hill High School in 1956. He worked as a Road Foreman for McLennan County Road Department Precinct 2, retiring after 26 � years.
Dana loved his nickname "Cowboy", and love to tell the story of how he got the nickname, saying all he ever wanted to do was be a cowboy, just like his uncle Roy, who was his idol and gave Dana his first horse when he was 16 years old. During the last few weeks of his life, Dana repeatedly expressed how thankful he felt to have lived as long as he had, and was so proud to be able to say he had done everything in life that he ever wanted to. Since learning of his leukemia diagnosis on March 10, 2016, and being informed he likely only had up to a month to live, he spent the last 14 days of his life enjoying countless visits from friends and family. He loved the fact that he had so many friends. He said many time friends aren't something you can buy; you have to earn them. He earned many over the years. He passed away Thursday night exactly the way he hoped to, at home, in the arms of his family.
Dana was predeceased by his parents; brother, Ray Currie; Sister in law Margaret Hodges. He is survived by the very special person in his life for the last 11 years, Debbie Edwards of Killeen, TX; son, Bret Hodges of Valley Mills, TX; Bret's mother, Elizabeth Hodges, of Robinson, TX; Grandaughters Nikki Pennington (Pete) of Grandbury; grandson, Gage Hodges of Valley Mills; granddaughters Paige Hodges, and Saige Hodges, both of Valley Mills, Brother Billy Bob Hodges and sister Linda Allen (John); sister in law Verline Currie; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Also surviving Dana is his best friend Gloria, and her daughters Judy and Lisa along with their families.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Chane, Charles Plemons, Curtis Hefelfinger, Larry Woolard, Raymond Lucion, ,John Nichols, Shawn Henderson, and Robert Yrios. Honorary Pallbearers will be Weldon Hughes, Mark Hancock, Roy Lee Moran, Sammy French, Jeff Stafford, Shannon Summers, Calvin Hill, Jimmy Edwards and Rudy Rivas.
Dana also wanted the entire staff at Bluebonnet Hospice to know how much he appreciated the exceptional and genuine care they gave him, with special thanks to Mo, Crystal, Molly, Devon, Stacy, and Jenny.
Please join the family at Dana's House immediately following the services for food and fellowship.
Please sign the guestbook at www.bellmeadfuneralhome.com