John Fredrick Hodge

John Fredrick Hodge, 66, of New Castle died Friday, July 31 doing what he loved to do – playing golf. John was born July 2, 1949 in Richmond. He called New Castle his home for the last 28 years.
John graduated from Richmond High School in 1967 and later graduated from Ball State Teacher’s College. He was a teacher for three years in Missouri before becoming a full-time journalist. John found his home when he moved to New Castle and started working for The Courier-Times. He retired there last year, after 27 years of dedicated service to the newspaper and to the community. He spent most of those years serving as the paper’s sports editor.
John won several journalism awards through the Hoosier State Press Association. He was a recipient of the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Distinguished Media award. Upon his retirement last year Indiana State Representative Tom Saunders presented John with the Distinguished Hoosier Award, given by Gov. Mike Pence.
Although John was a successful journalist, he didn’t do his job to win awards. He enjoyed meeting the athletes and personalities he encountered through writing, and built many lasting friendships in the process.
John was an avid Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. He spent his free time attending baseball games and playing golf. He loved gathering with friends and watching Colts football. John completely enjoyed these activities. He would stand up and sing at the seventh inning stretch, whether he was at a ballpark or watching the game on television.
John was also very active in the New Castle-Henry County Kiwanis, where he served recently in many capacities. He was the current Rose District Lieutenant Governor at the time of his death.
John was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Mary Z. (Blake) Hodge. He is survived by his cousins and numerous friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow at the Earlham Cemetery in Richmond. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be given to Kiwanis Club International, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Condolences and memories of John may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .
If you have photographs of John, please forward them to johnh@hinsey-brown.com no later than 1 p.m. Thursday, August 6.