HODGES, II, Amos Paul (Butch)

The Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on March 11, 2012 - Amos Paul "Butch" Hodges II was born June 11, 1943, in Kingman to Amos Paul Hodges and Arlene Hill Hodges. He passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in Payson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Shirley Bivens and nephew John Delor Brown. He leaves behind his loving wife, his best friend and high school sweetheart, Carol Ormand Brown; his three sons, Amos Paul III (Tracee and their children: Abigal, Amos Paul IV, Jordan, Krystal and Daniel), Michael and Eric (Michelle and their children: Jorge, Justin, Edwin, Joshua and Logan); and his sister, Dorothy (Richard) Brown. He had 11 grandchildren, including Wayne Holft; and many nieces and nephews. Butch joined the Marines when he was 17. He experienced two 24-month tours in Vietnam and 32 combat missions. He was an aerial gunner of the Boeing-Vertol helicopter and a staff sergeant. He received eight medals including two Gold Stars and was very proud to serve his country. He also received a citation for meritorious performance and was instrumental in rescuing one or more persons from bodily injury or death. He came home to Kingman on leave to marry Carol Ormond on Nov. 17, 1962. He retired from the Marines in Yuma on Oct. 11, 1977. They then moved to Phoenix with their three sons. In 1987, Paul and Carol wanted to be closer to family and moved back to Kingman. Paul had the Circuit Electric Company and Gas Plus. They lived out in Cedar Mesa where many family gatherings were held. Paul was "Butch" or "Uncle Butch" to all of us. Uncle Butch, Aunt Carol, Mike and Grandma Myrtle lived in Cedar Hills outside of Kingman. Paul loved the outdoors, fishing and bow and rifle hunting. Butch and Carol loved to ride ATVs all over the country. I don't think there was a place in Mohave County they didn't ride over. He never went on a fishing or camping trip that he didn't have family (especially Mike) and friends with him. In 2004, two of his sons were living in Phoenix so they moved there. This was very hard on their son, Mike, because he missed the freedom the country living provides him. Then in 2008 they retired to Tonto Basin. This was a great place for their son Mike to fish and hunt. They lived by Lake Pleasant until his passing. Paul (Butch) will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Donations in Paul's name would be greatly appreciated. Please send them to: Hospice Compassus, 511 S. Mud Springs Road, Payson, AZ 85541, Desert Community Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 164, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 or Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 577, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553. There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Desert Community Christian Fellowship, 173 Stephens Way, Tonto Basin.