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1928 Ben Hodges 2024

Benjamin Arthur Hodges

September 7, 1928 — December 4, 2024

West Branch, MI

Benjamin Arthur Hodges, 96, of West Branch, MI passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on December 4, 2024, after a brief illness.

Ben was born on September 7, 1928, in Grand Blanc, MI to Carol and Elizabeth Hodges. Ben had two brothers, Don and Burt, who have both predeceased him, as well as a sister, Helen Reed who resides in Flint, MI. Ben and his siblings were raised on the family farm and learned early on that hard work paid off. He maintained that work ethic his entire life and passed it down to his children and grandchildren.

In 1966 Ben and his wife, Lillian, bought the Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership and moved to West Branch. At that time they didn't know a soul in town, but that quickly changed as Ben made friends easily, earned his employee's and customers' respect and friendship, and became involved in the community. Ben was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and the Masons for many years. He served on the board of directors at the State Savings Bank. In his retirement years he was very involved in the Pioneer Tractor Club which brought him full circle from his childhood and his love of tractors.

In 1973 Ben relocated the business to its current location on the I-75 Business Loop after convincing the local banker, Ed Gould, that it wasn't "too far out of town", nor was it "too high on a hill" to build his new store. About ten years later Ben and his sons, who were both working with him in the business, took on the Chrysler franchise. The dealership continued to flourish under Ben's guidance and by the early 90's he was ready to retire and sell the boys the business. Ben was extremely proud of his sons and how they grew the business he started. When they retired and the third generation, his two grandsons, took over Ben couldn't have been happier or prouder. He continued to stop into the store to see how things were going and offered his help and advice. The employees loved visiting with him at those times and he relished all the attention and love they showed him. 

Ben enjoyed many hobbies and deer hunting at his own deer camp east of his home in Selkirk was his favorite. He and his grandson, along with two of Ben's close buddies, shared one last hunt together just 3 weeks ago. He missed his buck, but happy to have gotten two shots at it! 

He also was an instrument-rated pilot for close to 50 years and enjoyed flying his friends, Art Crawford and Bim Sargeant to Hudson Bay in Canada for their annual goose hunting and fishing trip. He loved to share those stories. Ben was an avid golfer and a member of the West Branch Country Club and the Hideaway Country Club in Ft. Myers FL, where he and Lill wintered for 30 years. He was proud of achieving 3 holes-in-one in his lifetime. Ben had a fondness for antique tractors and had quite a collection of his own. He participated in many antique tractor parades over the Mackinac Bridge as well as the local 4th of July parades. Ben was a huge Detroit Lions fan, holding season tickets for many years. He was thrilled with their success so far this season. 

Ben is survived by his sons, Terry and Ron (Ann), his daughter, Susan (Steve) Amari, all of West Branch, and his stepson, Dan (Ruth) Buckingham of MD. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Terry (Kelly) Hodges, Jared (Sarah) Hodges, Stacy Hodges, Jeff (Denise) Hodges, Shannon Jackson, Mary (Tom) Reynolds, Ian (Susan) Ness and Andrew (Keirsa) Buckingham, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-granddaughters. Ben also leaves behind his beloved and loyal dog, Daisy, as well as his best friends, Gary Daenzer and Larry Allen. His wife of 59 years, Lillian, preceded him in death on January 28, 2023. 

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their care of Ben in his final hours. They did an outstanding job of keeping him comfortable and supporting us during a very difficult time. We all agree they are Angels on Earth. 

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Fenton, MI. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Rea Family Animal Shelter in West Branch.  https://www.reafamilyanimalshelter.org/giving-page-1-1

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Benjamin Arthur Hodges, please visit our flower store.

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Oakwood Cemetery - Fenton

Davis Street, Fenton, MI 48430

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Sunday, December 8, 2024

2:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)

Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes - West Branch

109 E Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661

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