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Community mourns loss of leader, former State Rep. Steve Hodges Sr.
EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — A Mississippi County community is heartbroken following the death of one of its longest and strongest supporters.
Former State Rep. James Stephen “Steve” Hodges Sr., 75, died Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Former longtime Mississippi County Clerk Hubert “Junior” DeLay Jr. called Hodges’ death “very heartbreaking.”
“Steve was a very good friend,” DeLay told the Standard Democrat Friday morning. “We talked a lot. I’ve not known anyone who has done so much for his community as Steve Hodges. Through his business life, his public life, his personal life, he was a very giving individual, and he was so giving in all his capacities. He helped a lot of people — not only in East Prairie but also in Mississippi County and in his role as state representative.”
Born Feb, 2, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, he was the son of the late James Samuel Hodges Jr. and Patricia Maxine Heuschober Hodges. A 1967 graduate of East Prairie High School, Hodges graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1971. In 1972, he earned a Master of Business Administration from University of Missouri in Columbia.
Hodges began his career with the Carnation Company, and in 1976, he returned to East Prairie to partner with his father operating the Tru-Value IGA, until 2005 when they retired and sold the business.
He was a member of Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church, serving for years as treasurer and volunteering to help lead the annual fish fry for many years. He was a past member of the Lion’s Club, the Kiwanis, and the East Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
For eight years — from 2007 to 2014 — Hodges served the Southeast Missouri area as a state representative, dedicating himself to aiding constituents with various issues and being their voice at the Capitol in Jefferson City. He also served as a board member for local non-profits, including SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.
Steve was a lifelong supporter of many East Prairie youth sports and school clubs and organizations. He was a volunteer coach of Midget League basketball for over 25 years, coached various sports teams of his sons, and also refereed high school football for more than 40 years with a number of his good friends and colleagues.
“Mr. Hodges was a great supporter of East Prairie Athletics,” said Gary Scott, East Prairie High School baseball coach. “He was as loyal as they come. When we would have conversations after basketball or baseball games, he would always have something positive to say about the boys. We’re going to miss seeing him at the games for sure. He will be sadly missed.”
Hodges also served on the East Prairie R-2 School Board for 13 years, including as president. Long after his children and grandchildren graduated, he continued to support East Prairie athletics and organizations and could frequently be found at the ballpark or gym cheering on the Eagles.
And Hodges was a family man, DeLay noted.
“I don’t think a conversation went by that he did not mention how proud he was of his three sons and his grandsons,” DeLay said.
Hodges is survived by his wife, Amy Hodges of East Prairie; three sons, James Stephen (Marca Cross) Hodges Jr. of New Madrid County, Andrew Carl (Natalie) Hodges of Louisville, Kentucky, Adam Johnson (Wendy) Hodges of Greensboro, North Carolina; brother, Gary Lee Hodges of Delta, Colorado; and two grandsons.