John A. Hodson, 54, Yates Center, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 in Chanute.

John was born in Springfield, Ill., the son of the Rev. Frank A. and Lora O. Leugemors Hodson.

John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Iola and the First Presbyterian Church of Yates Center, where he served as an Elder.

He worked for Gordon Jewelry in Dallas, Texas where he was the assistant manager. John moved from Texas to the Chanute area to be closer to his mother and father. In 1989, he moved to Yates Center. John was a true craftsman and enjoyed building many projects in his home woodshop. John was an avid fisherman and collector of fishing lures and other fishing tackle. He also enjoyed community theater and was in several plays in Joplin and Carthage, Mo. John enjoyed music and singing in the church choirs. One of his greatest pleasures was hiking in the Colorado mountains.

He is survived by his parents, Frank A. and Lora O. Hodson, Yates Center; and one brother, Kenneth Hodson and his wife, Jan, Valley View, Texas.

Throughout 30 years of pain and suffering from 55 surgeries, John was determined to make the best of his situation and many times showed a great sense of humor. John will be remembered as a gentle gift of a man with a quick wit and determination.

Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13 at the First Presbyterian Church of Iola. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the church or charity of donor’s choice and left in care of Campbell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 188, Yates Center, KS 66783.