John Fred Hodges, Springfield, Missouri, went to his heavenly home Friday, October 4th, 2019 surrounded by his family. John was born February 12th, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan, to Brice and Florence (Murphy) Hodges.

John married Jennie Joann Layman on June 24th, 1965, to this union were born three children, Jimmy, Dan and Julie. On October 23rd, 1994, John married Paula (Sponsler) Jones, with this union he gained daughters Kendra and Leslie.

John graduated from Niangua High School in 1965. After graduation he held many positions in the stainless steel industry. John was born again at the age of 25 and called to the ministry in 1973.  He pastored several Free Will Baptist churches in the area.  John was a member of Masonic Gate of the Temple Lodge 422, Queen City Eastern Star Chapter 226, as well as St. John Commandery 20.

John was preceded in death by his parents, son Dan, and granddaughter Krystal. He is survived by wife Paula, son Jim Hodges and wife Debbie, daughter Julie Baird and husband Blaine, step daughter Kendra Dame and husband John, and step daughter Leslie Bragg and husband Quentin.  Grandchildren Devin, Alicia, Zoey, Colton, Sydney, two great grandchildren, his brother Mike Hodges and wife Becky.

Services will be held at Klinger-Cope at Rivermonte Chapel with visitation Tuesday, October 8th from 6:00-7:30 with Masonic Services 7:30-8:00. Funeral will be held Wednesday, October 9th at 11:00 with graveside services immediately following.

The family would like to thank our hospice nurse Dewayne Butler for his compassionate care.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Grant Avenue Free Will Baptist Church

PO Box 1308

Springfield, MO, 65801