Freeman Hodge

Freeman “Boots” Hodge, 92, of Seneca Missouri passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on January 30, 2015.     Boots was born to the late Flavious and Alice Hodge, June 2, 1922 in Duncan, OK. He met his sweetheart, Madie Hudson, and they married on October 5, 1946 in Clovis, NM.  They began their 48-year journey together in Littlefield, TX then later settled together in the home they built in Seneca, Missouri.  She preceded him in death August 28, 1994.     Boots was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys Adkins; brothers Buddy Hodge; Buster Hodge; Tobe Hodge; Pete Hodge; Don Hodge; and Elbert Hodge.    Boots enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1942 to 1945 in the South Pacific.  During Boots’ meaningful life he served many purposes in life. He built many homes in the Carl Junction area as a building contractor, was a livestock producer with many cattle, horses and hogs. Boots was very active in the Warrens Branch Community, serving many years on the school board.  He was one of the original founders and leaders of ‘Busy Beavers’ 4-H Club.  He was the ‘Old Cowboy’ in every sense of the word, dedicating his life to family and hard work while leaving a legacy full of love.      Boots is survived by four children, Tom and Merlene Hodge; Sue Hodge; Patty Hughes; and Pam Brown.  He is also survived by 12 Grandchildren, Travis and Colleen Hughes; Josh and Amy Hughes; Marcy and Brad Ward; Eric and Jessica Hughes; Mark and Michelle Hodge; Tera and Scott Walker; Ryan and Cassie Hughes; Lacy Brown; Justin Hodge; Blake Hodge; Charity Hodge; and Judd Hodge.  22 Great Grandkids and 1 Great Great Grandson also survive him.  He was preceded in death by Grandson Ross Brown.    In honor of Boots, a Celebration of his life will be held at 2PM Monday February 2nd at Racine Christian Church, Racine, MO.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Mercy Hospice or Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) in care of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home PO Box 380 Seneca, MO 64865.Boots’ legacy will live on through his many words of wisdom.   “A hundred years from now it won’t matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove; but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”