Daniel Hodges Obituary

Danny's Dad, Spencer grew up in Tennessee, he met and married Danny's Mother Elizabeth (Betty) here in Illinois. I didn't have the privilege of knowing her, but from what I hear, she was a very good Mother, and Danny was the Apple of her eye. Sadly, Danny's Mother passed away in 1964 when Danny was 16. Much too young to loose his Mother.

Most of Danny's father's family still lived in Tennessee, so on occasion, whenever he would go back home to visit his family, he always drove. Spencer did not like to fly.

When one of Spencer's brothers had passed away, he drove down for the Funeral. While he was there, he met up with his old "Childhood Sweetheart" Betty. That was the beginning of his 2nd life.

Every chance he got he would go down to visit, and every time he went, he would "FLY"! No more driving for him! He didn't want to waste those precious hours of driving when he could spend them with Betty. Danny once told Betty that he knew his Dad was in love because he would never fly before. He was really happy for his Dad.

Eventually, in 1972, Spencer & Betty decided to Marry. Spencer had 1 more year before he could retire, so Betty moved up here to Chicago with him during that time. After he retired, back home he went with his new Bride to Knoxville Tennessee, where Betty already had her own home. I have to say that Betty took really good care of him and for that, Danny was very grateful!

Sadly, Danny's Dad, Spencer passed away in 1984, which left a big void in both their lives. Danny & Betty have stayed in touch all these years. Betty is now living at Heritage Assisted Living Home in Knoxville. Betty says that she is very comfortable there and has everything she needs and they treat her very well. She said that she couldn't find a better place to retire.

This is a picture of Betty & Spencer Hodges.

***** Angel in My Dreams *****



A loving angel came to me in dreams,

And showed me life's not always what it seems,

And brought me to a place where sweet dreams live,

And gave to me a gift that I now give:



She whispered, "Take my hand, I'll lead you through

A place where all the sweet dreams can come true!

Close your eyes and open up your heart,

For then this flight of dreams so sweet can start.



She brought me through the darkness to the light,

Where colours wrapped around me with delight,

A patchwork quilt of beauty without seams,

Each colour was a rainbow full of dreams.



She led me through a hall of lovely sound,

With doors flung open widely all around.

And from each room a song would gently play,

And I wished with all my heart that I could stay.



We drifted in the fragrance of the breeze,

To savour all the flowers and the trees.

We tasted all of life that we could see,

And felt it flow as one in harmony.



Then my angel turned to me and said

"You're the keeper of these dreams inside your head.

Dream sweetly now, and dream of love and light,

And dreams will lead you safely through the night.



I am the keeper of this dream, it's true,

And I offer all my dreams to each of you.

May their loving sweetness visit you each night

And fill your soul with love and warmth and light!



May the Angels Always Watch Over You.

This photo was taken on a vacation with his son Billy in front of Mount Rushmore.

Danny,

What could I say? Although we had both remarried, you have always been a part of my life and always will be.

You were a very caring person and a "GREAT" Father. Trina & Billy loved you more than you can imagine. I am so grateful that our Grandson Joey, is old enough to remember you and the good times that he shared with you.

Sometimes, people called you "Sunshine" and that's because you did bring Sunshine into our lives. You had a big heart and when people needed something, you were always there to give, even if it meant you went without.

I am so grateful for the friendship that we kept between us and for the kindness that you showed my husband Greg when you met him. Greg knew you were a good person too. People couldn't believe it when he would tell everyone how well you guys got along.

The Memories that we shared will always be in my heart. This world will not be the same without you and I will miss you always!!!

Give your Mom & Dad a big hug and Kiss for me. Hope there's a Pool Table there for you to play pool with my dad again. Don't be surprised if my Mom leaves her Lip imprint on your cheek when she welcomes you to Heaven, that's a family trait, ha ha.

Say hi to my sister Theresa & Jack for me and tell them I miss them. Have fun hanging with Jack again and don't get into too much trouble.

Syl

Dear Young William and family,

Im so sorry to hear about your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.Billy im here if you need anything...

Uncle Danny,

Well where do i begin,i'm gonna miss you.This still doesn't seem real.I have alot of fond memories of you like my first beer..and my second.Going camping at Starved Rock and especially spending many nights over on 61st street,the one thing that sticks out in my head is watchin you wake up to go to work{little did you know we were up} and how you would put on those old beat up work boots and kiss auntie Sylvia at the door probably thinkin i've got the easy job good luck with the tribe of 5 {Eddie,Chrissie,Trina Billy and myself} Dont worry i'll be there for Billy like you did for me.Hes a good kid.Say hi to mom and dad for me.And like the song that you so often played goes "Im gonna love ya forever and ever Amen"{Good ol Randy Travis}I love ya and im gonna miss ya.

Love your nephew Nicky