By Dennis Nartker [email protected] SOUTH MILFORD — Saving lives and property, bringing happiness to young and old at Christmastime, mentoring 4-H'ers and making his community a better place all were Howard L. Hodge's vocations. He took no pay for his time and effort. He was the ultimate volunteer. Mr. Hodge, 77, of South Milford died unexpectedly Friday, April 29, at his residence. He leaves a legacy of helping others. Mr. Hodge was born on Jan. 8, 1939, in Noble County to George and Marcella (Bidwell) Hodge. On June 1, 1958, in Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield, he married Sandra K. Hasselman. She survives in South Milford. He was a lifetime area resident and a 1957 graduate of Kendallville High School. He was a farmer and had worked as sales coordinator for Starcraft RV in Topeka. He then worked in the maintenance department of McCray Memorial Hospital in Kendallville and retired from Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Mr. Hodge served as a volunteer firefighter with the South Milford Fire Department for 59 years. He was a lifetime member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. David Elick, Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association chaplain, recalled the first time he saw Mr. Hodge. He was driving a tanker and had what appeared to be a very young man with him who was his grandson, Brian. He was teaching his grandson tanker operations. "More than once I was thankful Howard brought Brian along," Elick said. "I often wished that when I was old enough and my grandpa was active to have learned from him the way Brian learned from Howard." Mr. Hodge's sister-in-law, Kathy Young, said her brother-in-law enjoyed being on the go. "He never hesitated when that fire whistle called." Mr. Hodge enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years, and seeing the smiles of those he visited in hospitals, nursing homes, residences, at festivals and at Starcraft Christmas parties. He was a member of the Noble County Gas and Steam Club. He enjoyed his antique tractor and made great friends through this organization. Mr. Hodge, his son, Steve, and his grandson, Brian, were invited to participate in the 150th celebration of the Indiana State Fair. They took three tractors to display in downtown Indianapolis and rode them in the fair parade. As a Milford Township 4-H leader for 20 years, Mr. Hodge mentored hundreds of young 4-H'ers and enjoyed watching his son and grandchildren, Melissa, Joe and Brian, show livestock in the LaGrange County Fair and the Indiana State Fair. He served as a Milford Township trustee and on the township advisory board. As sales coordinator for Starcraft RV in Topeka, Mr. Hodge traveled to many places around the world, including Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland and all the states in the U.S., except Alaska. "He enjoyed his work because of his love of people," said son Steve. Mr. Hodge drove a golf cart, transporting guests from the parking lot to the front door at Parkview Noble Hospital. He made a lot of friends doing this, and many remember him, said Steve. His faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield, served on the church council and was a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League. Mr. Hodge and his wife played cards with six couples once a month for more than 40 years. He also played cards at Francis Vinyard VFW Post 2749 in Kendallville. "Howard was one of the nicest guys I ever had the honor of knowing," said his friend Robert Russell. Jim Hodge, Mr. Hodge's brother, recalled the good life they had growing up on the family farm. "Howard was a good brother and friend," said Jim. Family outings like camping trips were favorite occasions for the Hodges. Later, Mr. Hodge enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive him. Granddaughter Jamie Hodge said of her grandpa: "Your laugh, your smile, your never-ending love and most of all the grandpa who would do anything for anyone." Mr. Hodge was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Wolcottville. Preferred memorials are to the Noble County Gas and Steam Club or to the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aide.