STARK — L.D. Hodgden, 75, of Stark, a former Parsons resident, passed away at 1:09 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1949, at Parsons to Ora and Enola (Peacock) Hodgden. L.D. grew up at Kimball and attended Parsons schools, graduating from Parsons High School in 1967. He attended Labette Community College, Pittsburg State University and Kansas State University, where he received a master of science degree in agronomy.
He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1972. L.D. was stationed on the USS Mason, which escorted the USS Constitution. He earned a Bronze Star for his military service and received an honorable discharge on Dec. 3, 1972.
LD. worked for Dow Chemical, Pioneer Hybrid and Dupont Chemical, where he served as a district sales manager in the agricultural division until his retirement in 2013.
He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his grandchildren proudly operating “Papa Daycare.” L.D. was an active member of Stark United Methodist Church, where he served the church in several roles including the biscuits and gravy fundraiser.
L.D. and Brenda Holmes were married and later divorced. He married Glenda Hoppes on June 13, 1981, at the Westside Christian Church in Parsons. She survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, L.D. is survived by his sons, Jason Hodgden and his wife, Rebecca, of Parsons; Bret Hodgden and his wife, Amber, of Parsons and Kellen Hodgden and his wife, Amber, of Galesburg; 10 grandchildren, Samantha, Dillon, Michael, Athea, Abigail, Gene, Hunter, Alex, Madalyn and Kylie; 10 great-grandchildren, Luke, Blake, Chris, Cora, Luna, Atlas, Kyler, Brantley, Bryley and Brady; his sister, Orlene Fisher of Wichita; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jolene Kinder.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons. The family suggests memorials to the family to assist with expenses, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357. Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
