Willis "Bill" Eugene Hodge was born September 9, 1927 in Phillips County, Kansas to
Charlie N. & Myra (Yowell) Hodge and he passed away December 18, 2012 in Phillips County at the age of 85.

He attended country schools in northern Phillips County and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1945. Willis served in the U. S. Army and attended trade school in Kansas City. In 1950 he was united in marriage to Wilma M. Jackson. To this union, three daughters were born: Belinda, Bonnie and Beverly. In 1959 he was united in marriage to Sharon A. Bane and to this union, two daughters were born: Tracy and Sherie.

Willis started his career as a truck driver and later served as a Motor Carrier Inspector for the State of Kansas until his retirement. He was also a life member of the Oddfellows and American Legion.

One of his proudest accomplishments was establishing the Prairie Haven Nursing Home in 1965 at Kensington, Kansas with his father and brothers, Warren and Bob.

Some of his favorite pastimes included dancing, playing cards, reading and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Warren; two daughters, Bonnie K. Spangler of Norfolk, VA and Sherie J. Dougherty of Salina, KS; and two grandchildren, Zachary Dougherty and Alicia Sanson.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home in Phillipsburg; daughters, Belinda & Richard Morgan of Ellis, KS, Beverly J. Weis of Wichita, KS and Tracy J. Sanson of Phillipsburg, KS; grandchildren: Brandon Beisner of Loxahatchee, FL; Ryan Beisner of Pratt, KS; Bruce and James Weis of Wichita, KS; Brooks Hodge of Norfolk, VA; Benjamin Sanson of Lakewood, CO; Staushua Dougherty of Clay Center, KS; Levi Dougherty of Agra, KS and Jacob Dougherty of Phillipsburg, KS; great-grandchildren: Elliot, Connor, and Owen Beisner; Autumn and Emily Weis; Hannah and Trenton Hodge; Skylar Sumner; Harlie and Pacie Dougherty; Hunter and Colton Dougherty; and Garson, Keaton and Hayley Dougherty; his brother, Bobbie Hodge & wife, Norma of Salina, KS; and sister-in-law, Norma Hodge of Phillipsburg, KS.

Funeral services were held Sat., Dec. 22, at 1:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Willis will lie in-state Thurs. from 5 – 9 p.m. and Fri. from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family received friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday evening for visitation at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Isis Shrine Traveling Fund or the Alicia Sanson Oxford House.