Ralph E. Hodgson

Ralph E. Hodgson, 86 of Pekin passed away at 5:50 am, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Villas of Holly Brook / Reflections in Pekin. He was born the only child to Harold and Emma (Fischer) Hodgson on September 16, 1934 in Pekin. He married Kathleen Jacob on August 24, 1965 in Pekin. She preceded him in death November, 21, 2018. Ralph was also preceded by one son Randall Hodgson. He is survived by; one granddaughter, Nicole (Hodgson) Damon of Pekin; one great grandson Andrew Damon; one brother in law, Leonard (Janet) Jacob of Castle Rock, Colorado; and one sister-in-law, Joan Jacob of Las Vegas, NV. Ralph grew up on a farm in Pekin, and always treasured his rural roots, and the lessons that farm life taught him. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. He served the Tazewell County Sheriffs Department for 35 years. He was elected Sheriff in 1994 and retired in 1998. He was very active in the Marine Corps League, and was a past commander. Ralph was a member of Elks, Moose, Freemasonry, and many other organizations. He was a member of the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team Rifle Squad performing graveside tributes for his fellow veterans. He received many awards for his shooting skills in competitions. He treasured his 2019 trip to Washington DC with the Honor Flight Tour that he shared with his granddaughter. With all his accomplishments, he was first and foremost a devoted grandfather, who never missed a chance to cheer on his granddaughter. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. His funeral service will be at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin. A visitation will be held immediately prior from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin with Rev. Dr. Forrest Krummel, Jr. with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. The Tazewell County Sheriff Department will provide an Honor Guard, serve as pall bearers and provide escort. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all past and present staff of the Villas of Holly Brook/Reflections Memory Care in Pekin for the kindness, friendship and loving care they provided to "Ralphy". Memorials may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601. Funeral Service Tuesday, July 20, 2021 1:30 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Tuesday, July 20, 2021 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554