Delmon “Papa” Hodges passed away at the age of 94 in his home town of Fort Stockton, Texas. Papa was the patriarch of a large family, all of whom loved him dearly.

Born to Powell and Edna Hodges on Aug. 9, 1927, Delmon married his wife, Vida, in 1954. Delmon joked that “he’d been married so long he couldn’t remember the last time he was happy,” but over the next 67 years Mama and Papa cultivated a wonderful family - four children, 13 grandchildren, and three great granddaughters. Delmon was also loved by numerous nieces, nephews, and very-dear friends.

Everyone who’s anyone knew that Delmon’s first love was politics. He was the first Republican elected in Pecos County, and a chairman of the Pecos County Republican Party. He was the deputy tax assessor, county clerk, and a county judge - all while being a successful land man.

At business, he was a master; at service, he was even better. He had a servant’s heart, and feet to match. He would volunteer at the Panther’s concession stand and Meals on Wheels, and he’d give anything he had to anyone in need.

It’s no surprise that Delmon collected more honors than can fit on this page (or 10 more). He was a Mason, a Shriner, a Lion, and member of the Chamber of Commerce. He won awards from the AAPL and United Way, and he was Fort Stockton’s Citizen of the Year.

He will be sorely missed. A funeral service was held on Dec. 28, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Fort Stockton. Memorials can be gifted to the Methodist Church or the Church of Christ in Fort Stockton, or a charity of your choosing.