August 12, 1947 - February 9, 2020

Bill Bernard Hodges Jr. was born in Pueblo Colorado on August 12th, 1947. He is the son Ruth Lankford, Hank Lankford, William Hodges Sr., and Marie Hodges. Those that were closest to Bill often called him: Hodge, Coach, Bro, or Hodgie . He is the older brother to Gail Martinez and Mare Schmit and deeply loved his aunt Joan and all of their families. Hodge graduated high school in 1965 from Pueblo Central High School. He worked at a variety of places and graduated with his bachelors degree in social sciences from the University of Southern Colorado (now called CSU-P). Hodge then got two masters degrees both in special education. One was from the University of Northern Colorado and the other one was from Adam State College.

Hodge lived in Denver for a short period of time then moved to Manzanola and began working at the Manzanola School District in 1974. This became the community that Hodge was a part of and poured his heart and energy into for the next 46 years. He was a special education teacher for 22 years and a beloved coach for 25 years. He was also an athletic director for a long period of time, was the high school principal for 5 years, and served on the Manzanola school board on and off for a number of years.

Of those 25 years coaching at Manzanola High School Hodge spent 22 years as a football coach, 21 years as a wrestling coach, and 14 years as a baseball coach. He received many awards for coaching these sports over the years. He coached 10 state champions in wrestling, and had an All-American football player, along with a number of other things. Hodge was proud of all of these accomplishments but the 10 state champions he coached was by far one of the greatest joys of his life. Along with committing to the Manzanola athletics Hodge also helped do states for the Fowler High School Wrestling team for over 10 years. On top of this Hodge did a variety of things to support the sport of wrestling in different schools in the Arkansas Valley. Hodge never cared about the uniform an athlete wore but about who each individual was and who they were becoming.

Hodge served on the State Board of Control for CHSAA for 4 years. He was also, inducted into the Greater Pueblo Hall of Fame in 2000. Then in 2011, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. These were all communities and accomplishments that were all very important to Hodge.

Another one of Hodge’s passions was Sprint car racing. He loved racing at Beacon Hill in Pueblo. He had many of lifelong friends that he met from that period in his life and he always referred to Baecon Hill as his home away from home.

Outside of education and athletics Hodge was a long time member of the Manzanola Lions Club and served as President for many years. He was very instrumental in many community outreach projects for the lions club.

Hodge also worked as a curator at the Rocky Ford Museum for 17 years and served as a member of the museum board. Hodge always loved history especially history from the Arkansas Valley so being a part of the Rocky Ford Museum community was always an honor for him.

Hodge also had been happily married to his wife Geri Hodges and had two daughters Whitney and Lindsey that he loved deeply. Outside of work, athletics, and family Hodge loved doing anything that was related to cars and enjoyed relaxing and watching: the Broncos, the Rockies, and his favorite crime shows.

Overall the most important things to Hodge included: community, education, athletics, family, and his dogs. Spending time with friends and family was his all-time favorite thing to do. Hodge loved those around him very much and would do anything for his loved ones. Humor, stubbornness, passion, resiliency, commitment, and authenticity were just a few of the qualities Hodge will be remembered by. Hodge was known and loved by many. As a coach, teacher, husband, father and friend he left quite the legacy to those around him. He will be deeply missed but always treasured, loved, and remembered by all those that knew him.

There will be a breakfast held on behalf of Bill from 7:00 AM until 8:30 AM on Friday, February 14th at Manzanola Elementary Cafeteria in Manzanola, CO. for family and friends and the area wrestling family that is needing to leave for Regional Tournaments. A Memorial Service will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, February 14th at Manzanola High School Gymnasium in Manzanola, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. Inurnment will be private at a later time.

In honor of "Coach Hodge" the family has established the William "Bill" Scholarship Fund and donations can be sent to the Rocky Ford State Bank; 301 N. Main Street, Rocky Ford, CO 81067.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.