Blaine D Hodges

PAUL - Blaine D. Hodges passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 92.

He was born in Preston, Idaho, on March 2, 1923, to George Edwin and Marguerite (Dalley) Hodges. He graduated from Preston High School and then enlisted in the United States Army. He served overseas in the Philippines and South Korea.

Upon his return, he married Karol McClellan in 1948, and they lived in Ogden Utah, for a brief time. They moved to Rupert, Idaho, and were involved in the Clawson Project where he “cleared and proved” the sagebrush ground and test pumps north of town. They then farmed in Raft River, Idaho, for several years. In 1958, he purchased a farm north of Paul, Idaho. They lived on the farm raising kids, crops, and cattle until 2005, when they moved to Paul. While farming, he was a member of the Minidoka County Soil Conservation District. He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2011.

He loved farming, fishing, needlepoint, and woodworking. He received many awards including, Grower of the Year for Coors Barley twice and Conservationist of the Year for Coors Barley. He also received Grassman of the Year and Conservationist of the Year awards. He taught his family the value of hard work and enjoyed operating his farm equipment. He and Karol enjoyed their travels to many states and countries.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karol; brothers, Melvin Hodges and Steven Hodges; and a sister, Joylene Shull.

He is survived by four sons, Kirk Hodges of Salt Lake City, Utah, Craig Hodges (Jill) of Fairfield, Calif., Mark Hodges of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Kevin Hodges (Liz) of Elko, Nev.; one daughter, Michele Rigby (Scott) of Rexburg, Idaho; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 2, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow in the Paul Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Minidoka Home Health and Hospice in care of Rasmussen Funeral Home.