Everett R. Hodges

Herrin Everett Ralph Hodges went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, December 17, 2001 at 1:45 p.m. at Fountain Nursing Home in Marion after a short illness. Everett was born in Poordo, IL on October 9, 1918 to Henry and Mary Anna Hodges. He was married to Lorene Tanner Casey in 1940 and together they enjoyed 49 years of marriage until her death in 1989. Everett was a mechanic and a retired coal miner from Freeman # 4. He was also a retired minister who loved preaching, going to church, and serving the Lord. He loved to tinker with machinery and work on engines. A devoted husband, he retired early to care for his ailing wife who suffered from Alzheimer's the last 13 years of her life. He was always willing to help others in need and was a friend to many. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Hazel and Wayne Doss of Creal Springs, Two daughters in-laws: Betty Casey of Bradley and Ramona Thomas of Dwight, IL, sister-in-law: Jewell Tanner of Creal Springs, Grandchildren: Debbie and Darryl Ferguson of Herrin, Rick and Tracey Doss of Creal Springs, Beverly and Ronald Johnson of St. Louis, Jennifer and Michael Zachritz of Marion, Roger and Debbie Casey of Bradley, Jack and Darla Casey of Bradley, Robin Casey of Bourbonnais, Tia and Mike Hampton of Kankakee, and Keith Casey of Phoenix, AZ, Eighteen Great grandchildren and Eight Great Great Grandchildren. Special cousins Hugh "Bevo" Boatright and Janie Dippy and Several Nieces and Nephews. He was precede in death by his parents, wife, Sons Louis and Donnie Casey, grandchildren Johnny and Melinda Casey, and great granddaughter Sandra Ferguson, four brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be at Mitchell-Hughes funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2001. Rev. Shorty Alsip will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday evening after 5 p.m. This obituary and a register book are available at www.hughesfuneralhomes.com or www.thesouthern.com