Roy Lavern Hodges, age 71, of Havana, Kansas passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the Pawhuska Hospital in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
Roy or “Papa” as he was referred to by many who knew him, was born on September 4, 1951, in Independence, Kansas to Delmar B. and Cora "Margie" (Cummins) Hodges. He grew up in Havana, Wayside, and Caney where he attended local schools earning his education. As a young man, Roy went to work for the Barton Sawmill in Independence, Kansas. Then in July of 1970, he proudly enlisted to serve in the United States Army. Upon completion of his third year of active duty, Roy was awarded an honorable discharge and requested to transfer to the U.S. Army Reserves.
Roy returned to southeast Kansas and soon an opportunity came up for him to apply to become a Deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and he got the job. Roy gained life experience and personal growth. He thought highly of the Sheriff he worked for, Art Schenk.
On February 20, 1976, he married his partner and best friend, Cynthia Powell. The couple made their home in Coffeyville. They welcomed three beautiful children into the world, Scott, Amy, and Heather. Roy adored his wife and kids. He cherished the time he spent with them. He helped guide them through life's challenges. This helped mold them into the wonderful people they are today.
Roy went on to become a Firefighter for the Coffeyville Fire Department and volunteered on the Havana Rural Fire Department. He spent 30+ years as a contract welder and pipefitter for several refineries. Roy was a member of the Havana Veterans Association for several years. Most recently, the past four years Roy has volunteered with the Caney Food Pantry.
Roy loved life, he was known to be a little ornery and a jokester. He brought a smile to all those around him. He liked old cars and loved riding his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Roy had a talent for working with his hands and was an excellent welder, builder, and carpenter. He was always up for a challenge. Most of all he loved his family and loved being surrounded by his wife, their children, and especially his grandchildren that loved their Papa unconditionally.
Roy filled his whole life with acts of "Service Before Self' time and time again. He led by example and went above and beyond for others. He instilled these beautiful traits into his family. All those that had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Roy would tell you he made a lasting impression on them. He will be deeply missed by many.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Cynthia Hodges of the home; children, Scott Hodges and wife, Lacey of Caney, Kansas, Amy Hodges of the home, Heather Francis and husband, Kendal of Coffeyville, Kansas; grandchildren, Ace Koester, Jarrett Hodges, Kolton Hodges, Sage Hodges, Sadee Hodges, JaMiah Burnett, Sidney-Lynn Burnett, Damaris Smith; a sister, Darlene Long; two brothers, Delmar “JR” Hodges and wife Debbie, Dennis Hodges and wife, Joyce all of Havana, Kansas; a cousin that he considered to be more like a brother, Clark Ryan of Caney; his kitty cat "Sissy" that he loved and spoiled along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many close friends. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar B. and Cora "Margie" Hodges, a brother, Donald Hodges, and a sister, Leila Boyd.
Following Roy’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. Evangelist David Bycroft will officiate. Evangelist Bycroft was also the officiant at Roy and Cynthia's wedding 46 years ago when the couple united as one at Tyro Christian Church.
Friends may sign the guest register on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Havana Volunteer Rural Fire Dept. or to the Caney Food Pantry; these can be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
The family have entrusted David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville with arrangements. To leave a condolence or share a memory with the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
