Howard Mont Hodges

Howard Mont Hodges, 92, of Shelley, ID passed away September 18, 2011 at his home with family.

He was born November 21, 1918 to David “Mont” Hodges and Claudia Bessie Comer in Bradleyville, MO. He was the oldest of three children. He attended school in the Sandy School in Missouri and completed through the eighth grade.

In 1939, he honorably joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was soon drafted into the United States Army in September 1941. He was with the 34

th

Regiment of the 24

th

Division, US Army. Howard was a recipient of a Purple Heart, as well as, the Combat Medal of Honor.

He was an avid fisherman, skilled leatherworker, talented gardener, and a lover of the great outdoors. Howard was a dedicated family man that honored his wife and family.

He worked and retired at age 58 from Monroc Construction Company in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

He is survived by his sisters, Ruth Roberts and Lola Roberts both of Springfield, MO; three daughters Veanna Jo Deckard of Springfield, MO; Linda Malcom of Shelley, ID; and Claudia (Harry) Heidkamp of Idaho Falls, ID. Grandchildren, Tara Lyn ( Dale) Mueller-Ohlrich of Springfield, MO; David Malcom of Shelley, ID; Owen (Vereana) Teschner of Germany; and Dennis Chambers of Springfield, MO; and nine Great Grand children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife La Wanda, Baby Hodges, and two sons-in-law.

Special thanks to all the special neighbors that he truly adored. He was a man of few words but eloquently spoken. He will continue to live in our hearts forever. We love and miss him more than words can say but we know he is finally home with Mama.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday September 21, 2011 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. and Wednesday 1:00 till 1:45 P.M. both at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 assisted by the Idaho Honor Guard.