Richard Hodson, 78, died Sunday February 25, 2024 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City,Kansas. He was born August 9, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas; the son of Caleb Hartley and Elizabeth (Holland) Hodson.
Although Richard was born in Arkansas, California is where he was raised. The family made them move back to California when Richard was an infant as his father’s military career would allow.He was raised in Whitier, California graduating from Whittier High School. Richard received his degree from Whittier College, majoring in history with a minor in philosophy. He received his MBA in Ancient Middle Eastern History from California State University Fullerton. Starting law school as a non-traditional student at age 34, he earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Kansas in May 1982.
Richard and his wife served as dorm parents and teachers in a private academy in Friendsville, Tennessee for a year before moving to Kansas. He was a professor at Barclay College, Haviland, Kansas for 5 years before going to law school. While in law school he was part of the DefenderProject and served as an intern with a member of the Kansas Judicial Council. He began his law career as the Assistant County Attorney for Pawnee County. He served as an Assistant Attorney General under Robert Stephen for 5 years before coming to Finney County as an Assistant County Attorney. He was then in private practice in Garden City until appointed DistrictMagistrate Judge for Kearny County in 2005. He retired in December of 2022.
Richard enjoyed watching KU Basketball, classic cars and listening to “The Oldies” and folk music. He was funny, kind, and extremely knowledgeable in many areas. He often inflicted his love of music and his deep well of information on his family and close friends. Richard was also an integral part of both the Emmaus House and ABC Pregnancy Center serving on their Board of Directors for decades. His love of laughter and good sense of humor lives on.
Richard is survived by his wife of more than 50 years- Nancy Hodson, children- Rachel Hodson, Jon Hodson, and Martha Hodson, grandchildren- Ethan Hodson and Ember Hodson, sister-Sarah S. (Sue) Hodson and her husband Peter Blodgett, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant twin sister- Martha Faye Hodson.A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday March 23, 2024 at Garden Valley Church with Pastor Steve Ensz officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to Garden Valley Church or The Emmaus House both in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.
Garnand Funeral Home 412 N. 7 th Street Garden City, Kansas 67846 620-276-3219