Stanley Glenn Hodges

Stanley Glenn Hodges, 71, died Wednesday May 20, 2015 in the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. Born in Owensboro and raised in Maceo, Glenn was a published regional historian recognized for his account of the Civil War Years in Hancock and Daviess counties.

He was a journalist for more than thirty years. During his tenure at the Messenger-Inquirer, he reported on a wide range of stories relevant to major court decisions, the criminal justice system, economic development projects, the Kentucky State Legislature, and prominent civic events.

He always spoke fondly of his two mentors at the Messenger-Inquirer. One was the late George Kerler, an editorial writer. The other was Herb Parker, a close friend and former managing editor of the newspaper.

Even when cancer made it increasingly hard for him to concentrate, Glenn maintained his interest in current affairs.

As a writer, Glenn had a self-imposed routine: he was determined to write at least several paragraphs of his memoirs each day. He began those memoirs with his childhood experiences on a Maceo farm and wrote feelingly of his relationships with his family. He also wrote with critical insight about contemporary America.

A graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College and a veteran of the United States Navy, Glenn enjoyed listening to the stories of his older Hodges and Hatfield cousins and uncles, each of whom served in the military during World War II.

Glenn was an authority on the Civil War and toured many of its historic sites. He spoke with a historian's fervor of the day he stood on the artillery site at Oak Hill on the Gettysburg battlefield and imagined General George Pickett's anxiety just before his charge into the "159 guns that stretched in a long line from the Peach Orchard to Oak Hill."

A steadfast and faithful friend to all, Glenn always appreciated visits from his former co-workers Bob Bruck, Keith Lawrence, Suzi Bartholomy, Jim Pickens and Johnny Maglinger.

On a special occasion while bedridden at his home, Aloma Dew, co-chair of the Daviess County Bicentennial Committee presented Glenn with a numbered copy of "Daviess County: Celebrating Our Heritage." He and Mrs. Dew co-wrote a chapter in the book titled "The Civil War Years in Daviess County" and it was Glenn's expressed wish to view a copy of the commemorative edition before he died.

Whether it touched on local, state or national history, journalism, politics, or his favorite major league baseball team - the New York Yankees - Glenn was a reflective and engaging conversationalist as well as a fascinating storyteller. His memory will live through his written words.

During the final months of his illness, Glenn was supported and comforted by the devotion and care-giving talents of his sister Shirley Bivins. She worked tirelessly with his care.

In addition to his sister Shirley Hodges Bivins, Glenn is survived by his niece Tracy Lynn (Reggie) Helm; his great niece and nephew Tatum N. Wendt and Thomas Wendt, III; and his many cousins, among them Gary (Jan) Hatfield, Linda (Wayne) Jolliffe, Janet Clark, and Roy Hodges, Jr.

Glenn was preceded in death by his loving and supportive parents, Helen Hatfield Hodges in 1974 and Stanley O. Hodges in 1996, as well as his brother-in-law, whom he considered a true brother, William "Billy" Bivins in 1976.

The funeral service for Glenn will be at 12:00 noon Wednesday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, where visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and after 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Lewisport Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Wounded Warriors. Messages of condolence and memories of Glenn may be shared at www.glennfuneralhome.com.