Don Hodson

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Donald Frederic Hodson, 87, of Joplin, known as Dad and Papa to his family, and Don to his friends, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 6, 2021, following a short illness.

Don was born on December 16, 1933 in Los Angeles, California to Philip Everett Hodson and Bertha Caroline Smith. Don spent his youth growing up in Long Beach, California. The family moved to Alba, Missouri in 1946 where Don attended Alba High School. While in high school he participated in football, basketball, and track. 

After high school he married Donna Pauline Hitchcock in 1951. Don worked as a salesman for Foremost McKesson out of Springfield, Missouri for 27 years, retiring in 1997. Don was active in youth sports coaching farm club, little league, and senior league baseball and boys basketball. He was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was an MSSU Lionbacker and follower of the Joplin Eagles. During his retirement he loved attending estate and garage sales and collecting and repairing antiques.

He is survived by his wife Donna of the home; a son Bruce Hodson (Becky) Joplin, two grandchildren, Haley Hodson, Joplin, and Zak Hodson (Ashley), Joplin. A son, Lance Clayton Hodson, preceded him in death in March 2021.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 and 1:00pm at Ozark Cemetery with Pastor Jim Bowles officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.