WEST FRANKFORT – John Robert Hodgson, 94, of West Frankfort, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Mt. Vernon Country Side Care Center at 11:52 p.m.
John was born on October 31, 1929, in West Frankfort, Illinois, to John Richard and Eva (Serles) Hodgson. John married Dovey Lea Blades in August of 1950 and together they shared 62 years of marriage.
John graduated from Frankfort Community High School in 1948. He went on to graduate VTI where he mastered auto mechanics. John proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Korean War veteran. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Throughout his life, John worked in coal mines in Southern Illinois and retired from Old Ben Coal #24 mine after many years of service. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).
After retirement, John and Dovey enjoyed attending the Logan Church of God, the church his parents also attended. He enjoyed talking and looking at cars and his knowledge of all things automotive was second to none. He owned and operated North Main Motors in Benton and took great pride in helping families in Southern Illinois purchase a car. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed a game. But his greatest pride was his family. He was an amazing father, grandpa, brother, and uncle and will be terribly missed by all he leaves behind, But we take great comfort in knowing that he will be welcomed through the gates of Heaven by his parents and Dovey and will be celebrating Christmas in the arms of God.
John was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Eva Hodgson and his wife Dovey Hodgson.
He is survived by three daughters Karen and Jim Bayless of Thompsonville, Lisa and Greg Woolard of West Frankfort, and Heather Richerson and Charlie of Christopher; a sister Louise Gregory of Washington, Illinois; eight grandchildren – Amy Smith, Beth (Jim) Britton, Casey Carroll, Kristy (Derek) Dodd, Mikane (Tim) Cammer, Lucas Woolard, Aunye (Justin) Rich, and Kaed (Ivory) Rich; 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and three nieces.
Services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Union Funeral Home-West Frankfort at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor TJ Gentry officiating. Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.