Stanley Norman Hodsdon, 91, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at his residence in Athens.
Mr. Hodsdon was born in Wales Maine on October 18, 1924, the youngest son of the late Harvey Willis Hodsdon and Grace Violet Higgins. He was preceded in death by both older brothers, Ed Harvey Hodsdon and Ray Willis Hodsdon; his wife, Edith Velda Edwards Hodsdon; and his youngest son, Eric Richard Hodsdon.
Survivors include his son, Stan Patrick Hodsdon (wife Jan); grandson, Russell Patrick Hodsdon (wife Ashley); granddaughter, Yvonne Michelle Hodsdon, and two great-granddaughters in Bad Windsheim, Germany; as well as several nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Stan was a WWII veteran with two years combat fighting in six major battles to include the battle of Hurtgen Forest, which was later depicted in the movie “When Trumpets Fade”. He was wounded in one of the battles with shrapnel to the back but was treated in the field and continued to fight on. Stan was involved in the liberation of the first concentration camp at Ohrdruf, Germany, where he saw Generals Eisenhower and Bradley after the liberation. He later saw Eisenhower at a Washington Senators ballgame at Connie Griffith Stadium and called down to him saying “Hey Ike, I was with you at Ohrdruf.” President Eisenhower heard him and told his people to bring that young man down to talk with him, where they talked for some 30 minutes. Stan asked why the US forces stopped instead of fighting forward to get credit that the Russians later claimed and Ike told him it wasn’t about getting credit, it was about saving lives of our young men.
After the war Stan married Velda Edwards Hodsdon, who was later to become director of nursing at BJC Hospital in Commerce. After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education from Florida State University, they moved to Commerce in 1951, where Stan took the job as principal of Commerce Grammar School. He later went into the insurance and real estate businesses, which he continued until his retirement in 2000. Stan was active in community and veterans affairs throughout his life, as well as contributing to the Boy Scouts in many capacities. He served as Post Service Officer assisting veterans and dependents with claims. He served as post commander of the American Legion six times, and district adjutant once. He is a past member of the Honor Society 40–8. He served as V.F.W Post Commander 16 times, District Commander once, and also as Department Judge Advocate. He served on State and National committees and is a member of the V.F.W. Hall of Fame. He is recipient of the V.F.W Distinguished Service Award and a member of the V.F.W Honor Society — Military Order of Cooties. He served as both D.A.V Post and District Chaplain and is a member of the D.A.V. Honor Society — Trench Rats. He has been affiliated with the Boy Scouts since 1936 and served in most every capacity in troop committees, district and council. He has been a district commissioner and a summer camp director for Okefenokee Area Council and served as North East Georgia Area Council Advancement Chairman for several years. He has been awarded the Eagle Scout Award, the Silver Beaver Award, the Scouter Training Award, and the Region Six Award. His civic contributions include chairing American Red Cross Blood Drives, past president Commerce Kiwanis Club, past member Jackson County Planning Commission, past member North East Georgia Area Planning and Development Commission, past member and chairman of Georgia Advisory Committee for State Planning and Community Development, past member of the Georgia State Planning Commission, and past president of the Banks Jackson Board of Realtors.
In Stan’s memory the family suggests contributions to the American Red Cross.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com