Thompson Gene Hodges, 91, died in Norman, Oklahoma, following a brief illness.

Thompson Gene Hodges was born Jan. 30, 1913, in Clinton, Oklahoma, the only child born to Kiah and Allie Lee (Thompson) Hodges. After graduating from high school, Mr. Hodges attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1934 with a bachelor of science degree. He received a bachelor of divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, in 1939 and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church the same year. He was a pastor from 1939-47 at churches in Pawhuska, Oklahoma and Lawton, Oklahoma. After Mr. Hodges stopped having a "regular" church, he substituted as a pastor at numerous churches throughout Oklahoma. He especially enjoyed pastoring at the Presbyterian Church in Chandler.

Mr. Hodges received a master of library sciences degree from OU in 1955. He then became acquisitions librarian at OU until 1958. He became dean of Library Service at Central State University (Now known as University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond until 1976. Mr. Hodges was dean emeritus 1976 until his death. He was a member of the American Southwestern Oklahoma Library Associations (president, 1965-66), Oklahoma Educational Association, Kappa Sigma, Beta Phi Mu and Kappa Kappa Psi.

He met his first wife, Claire Surbeck while studying for his bachelor's degree at OU. He married Claire Surbeck June 19, 1935. Mr. and Mrs. Hodges had one son, Thompson Eugene "Gene" Hodges Jr., Sept. 17, 1940.

After his first wife's death, Mr. Hodges met Dorothea Arnold Ray, and they married Jan. 5, 1980, at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond. They moved to Mr. Hodges' home in Norman, Oklahoma, to enjoy their retirement years. They traveled to Santa Fe, N.M., several times and also traveled to Europe where Mrs. Hodges sang with her
church choir for Pope John Paul II. Mr. Hodges was known for his love of Dachshunds and cats. He enjoyed working in his yard and was a good neighbor for many years on Macy Street. An avid Oklahoma Sooners' football fan, Mr. Hodges loved a lively discussion about the team and OU teams of the past. Mr. Hodges liked cars. His favorite car was the Volkswagen. He had a great appreciation for the railroad and trains. Mr. Hodges had a
brilliant and inquisitive mind. His intelligence and knowledge of a variety of topics made for interesting conversations with those who knew him.

Mr. Hodges is survived by many family members and friends who loved him very much. A memorial service for Mr. Hodges and his late wife, Dorothea, will be held in the spring.