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1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3 to learn of the death of Wilber C. "Bud" Hodges Jr. of Coal
4 Valley, who passed away on April 6, 2024; and
5 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges was born to Anna Mae (Bartels) and
6 Wilber C. Hodges Sr. in Kahoka, Missouri on November 1, 1942;
7 he graduated from Kahoka High School in 1960; he then enlisted
8 in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Epperson until he was
9 honorably discharged in 1963; he married Valerie Niclas in
10 Coal Valley on December 10, 1983, and they resided in Coal
11 Valley for the next 40 years and wintered in Florida for many
12 years; and
13 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges spent his career in the engineering
14 field, working as a journeyman tool and die maker and building
15 prototypes for John Deere and other manufacturing companies;
16 and
17 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges was a proud member of the Milan
18 American Legion and an aviation enthusiast, flying planes for
19 over 30 years; he loved gas engines and completing projects
20 with his friends; he also enjoyed fishing; and
21 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges was known for never sitting still and
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1 his ability to fix anything; he will be remembered for his
2 fervent patriotism and his willingness to help others; and
3 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges was preceded in death by his parents;
4 and
5 WHEREAS, Bud Hodges is survived by his wife of 40 years,
6 Valerie; their dog, Chester; his sister, Karen (Gary) Diehl;
7 his nephews, Damon and Colin, and their families; and his
8 sister-in-law, Marcia Gallagher; therefore, be it
9 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
10 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
11 Wilber C. "Bud" Hodges Jr. and extend our sincere condolences
12 to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be
13 it further
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