Rayburn B. Hodges

Rayburn Barrett Hodges age 93 of Lexington went home to be with his Lord, while surrounded by his family. He passed away on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the Norman Veterans Center. Rayburn was born on July 18, 1923 in Honey Grove, Texas. He was the 8th child of 12 children born to Julian Harvey Alexander Hodges and Annie Jewell (Hartman) Hodges. Rayburn grew up in Slaton, Texas and attended school there. As a young boy he learned how to work hard with his other brothers and sisters by working in the cotton fields. At the age of 19 he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and proudly served three years in the South Pacific as part of the Navy Seabee's. After being honorably discharged in 1945 he returned home to Slaton, TX and there he met the love of his life, Frances Loretta Edwards. On September 4, 1946, Rayburn and Loretta were married in Slaton, TX. Together they raised five children, Royce, Mike, Vicki, Phyllis and Rendie. Rayburn and Loretta moved to Paoli, OK in 1954. Several years later they moved to the Lexington and Purcell area, where they live today. For several years he worked in the construction industry. Then in 1965 he began working at Tinker Air Force Base where he worked until he retired in 1985. Rayburn was a faithful Christian and active member of the Memorial Assembly of God Church in Purcell for nearly 60 years. While a member, he served as a Deacon, a Youth Leader, a Sunday School Director and as the church Song Leader. Throughout his life, Rayburn loved being outdoors and was an avid Quail Hunter. For years he and Loretta enjoyed camping at Lake Eufaula, traveling and going to garage sales. Most of all, Rayburn enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by: Parents; Julian and Annie Jewell Hodges, Five brothers, J.C., Julian, W.E., Billy Joe and Hebron, Three sisters, Virginia Lavendar, Marlee Angerar, Arwilda Hodges; He is survived by: Wife of 69 years, Loretta Hodges of the home, Two sons, Royce Hodges and wife Shirley of Purcell, Mike Hodges and wife Gwen of Lexington, Three daughters, Vicki Hall and husband Roy of Norman, Phyllis Miller and husband Bryan of Goldsby, Rendie Pitts and husband Tommy of Slaughterville, Two brothers, Ralph Hodges and wife Lois of Lubbock, Roy Hodges also of Lubbock; One sister, Marcella Kirkendall of Arlington. 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Memorial Assembly of God Church in Purcell. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Rayburn B. Hodges

July 18, 1923 - August 1, 2016