Christopher Wayne Hodge

Christopher “Chris” Wayne Hodge, age 56, passed from this earth on Monday, December 19th, 2022, in his home in Elkland, Missouri. Chris was born to parents Lewis Hodge and Janet Miller Leas, on July 11th, 1966, in Rolla, Missouri. He graduated from Parkview High School in 1984 and continued on to obtain an Associates Degree for Applied Sciences in HVAC Technology. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1984-1988, and continued his career in the Army National Guard from 2008 until his retirement as a Staff Sergeant with full honors in 2018. It's impossible to describe Chris in a small amount of words, but he was lovingly known by those around him as a strong and devout Christian, a hard worker who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves, an inventive and resourceful problem solver who could fix anything, a very talented, passionate, and versatile musician, and an avid hunter, fisherman and “bee-haver”. He had a passion for teaching and serving others, always offering a positive outlook, and was rarely seen without a smile on his face. A truly humble man that never knew a stranger. Chris is survived by his spouse of 22 years, Seleeah E. Steeley Hodge and his children Douglas A. Hodge and wife Megan of Overland Park, KS, Jessica L. Hodge of Ash Grove, MO, Jacob N. Hodge and wife Jessie of Nixa, MO, Meghan E. Garay of San Antonio, TX, Gabrielle E. Garay Register and husband Matthew of Rogersville, MO, and Charlee G. Hodge and partner Dakota of Fair Grove, MO, three grandchildren Trevor S. Appel, Aiden M. Graves, and Bliss H. Hodge, with another grandchild on the way, his parents Lewis Hodge and Janet Leas, siblings Lewis Hodge, Jr. and wife Willeen, and Angela Hodge Burns, as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home. Escorts will be Doug Hodge, Jacob Hodge, Darrell Burns, Clay Burns, Jim Davis, and Lew Hodge, Jr. Honorary escorts will be Doug Shockley, Andy Beachum, Chris McPhail, Matthew Register, and Dakota Smith. Interment will be in the Macedonia Cemetery in Vichy, MO at 2:00 p.m. under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Military Honors will be rendered at the graveside. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Chris’ honor to AMVETS, 89.1 KWFC radio station, and In Touch Ministries all of which Chris strongly supported.

Christopher Wayne Hodge

July 11, 1966 - December 19, 2022