David M. Hodge

David M. Hodge, 80 of Austinburg Township died Tuesday (June 22nd) at UH Geauga Medical Center, Chardon, OH. He was born August 29, 1940 In New Lyme, Ohio the son of Fred N. and Bernice E. (Olmstead) Hodge and has been a lifetime area resident. He graduated from New Lyme Deming High School in the class of “59.

He started his career in the trucking industry as an owner-operator with Ramus Trucking Co., Ashtabula, Ohio. When Ramus sold out to Dohrn, he continued with Dohrn until they sold out to Hall’s Motor Freight. He ended his 32 year career in the industry with Yellow Freight Systems driving doubles and triples on the Ohio and Indiana Turnpikes, accumulating more than one and a half million miles of safe driving awards.

He married Nancy M. (Pettit) on June 10, 1961 at the Congregation Church of Jefferson. Together they enjoyed traveling with their fifth-wheel to Alaska, the Northwest and the Canadian Maritime provinces. In 60 years of marriage, they visited all 50 states, as well as traveling to Bali, Europe, and Mexico.

He is a member of the Jefferson First Congregational Church, formerly serving as a trustee. He was part of the bike patrol as well as the Over-the-Hill Gang of volunteers maintaining the Greenway Bike Trail. He volunteered with the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club for nearly 20 years. Serving on the steering committee and flipping hamburgers in the kitchen, as well as, being there every Wednesday to help maintain the grounds. He enjoyed antique engines, restoring farm tractors, and spending summers at Lake Chautauqua water skiing and camping. After his retirement, he looked forward to spending mornings with the Mugs Coffee Group.

Surviving him is his wife, Nancy Hodge; a son, Mark D. (Susan) Hodge of North Kingsville; a grandson, Shawn M. Hodge, Pharm.D. of Cleveland; a brother, Timothy (Betsy) Hodge of North Kingsville; sister, Julie (Steve) Hollis of New Lyme; sisters-in-law Mary Anne (Harry) Izenour and Suzanne (Chris) Roberts; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dean Hodge.

Funeral service will be Saturday (June 26th) 11:00 am at Jefferson First Congregational United Church of Christ, 41 East Jefferson St., Jefferson with Rev. John Werner officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club, P.O. Box 168, Williamsfield, OH 44093 or Jefferson First Congregation U.C.C. , 41 East Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH.
 

The Fleming-Billman Funeral Home is honored to serve the David Hodge family. View obituary and  guest book at www.fleming-billman.com.

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