Robert Allen Hodson
Robert Allen Hodson
Robert Allen Hodson, 95, of Hillsboro, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at his residence in the Cape May Community in Wilmington.
He was born Nov. 4, 1927, in Brecan, Hamilton County, Ohio, the son of the late Carey Walter and Marguerite Roberts Hodson.
Mr. Hodson was a 1945 graduate of Buford High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation. He served in World War II. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he attended The Ohio State University and was a 1951 graduate. Upon graduation, Bob accepted the position as Instructor of Vocational Agriculture at Fairfield High School in Leesburg.
Shortly after taking the Vo-Ag position at Fairfield, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for one year during the Korean War. He was later honorably discharged and returned to his teaching position at Fairfield High School.
In 1955, Bob was offered and accepted the position as County Extension Agent for Clinton County and gained employment with the Clinton County National Bank as manager of the New Vienna branch office, where he worked until accepting the position with the Hillsboro Bank & Savings as the CEO in March of 1961. Hillsboro Bank & Savings later became the 1st Security Bank, now known as Fifth Third Bank.
Bob retired as Chairman of Fifth Third Bank of Southern Ohio in December 1991. Bob was very active both locally and Ohio statewide. To mention just a few, he served as a member of the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Board, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Southern State Community College, President of the Ohio Bankers Association, President of the Highland County Historical Society, remained active in the Emmaus Community and for 29 years was the personality on the Community Bulletin Board on WSRW Radio.
He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Dorothy Ellis Hodson; two sons, David (Judy) Hodson of Cornelius, N.C. and Jeff (Phyllis) Hodson of Washington C.H.; seven grandchildren, Jarrett (Leigh) Hodson of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Meredith (Matt) John of Ft. Mill, S.C., Laura Lee (Stephen) Parker, of Huntersville, N.C., Nathan (Karissa) Hodson of Columbus, Courtney Hodson of Lancaster, Tori Rinehart of Athens and Lance Rinehart of Logan; and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Hodson Rinehart; and one sister, Janet Wilkin.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 at the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church, 133 East Walnut Street, Hillsboro. Dr. Derek Russell will officiate.
Burial, with military honors presented by the U. S. Navy in coordination with the Highland County Honor Guard, will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Historical Society, 151 East Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 or to the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.
Robert A. Hodson
Robert A. Hodson.
Oh, how you will be missed. Not just by those that knew you and knew of your work and service to our community, but to everyone you touched whom may have never known you. Those that you helped through your years of service to Hillsboro, Highland County and far beyond.
When I think of Bob – and you can't mention Bob without mentioning Dorothy – I will choose to remember the life he and she lived, not the day he passed. A life of service that began by his enlistment to the the US Navy. Followed by his service to the public through teaching, his banking career, and his service to so many organizations that he served on to help make our community a better place for everyone. Bob's presence in any group or organization brought immediate respect and credibility. He was the steady hand. In times of trouble or or discourse, Bob was looked to in order to "right the ship." And he did. He did, I am sure, more times than I or most people would ever be aware.
His reputation preceded him in all that he did, and it is impeccable to this day. Character is something that is built over time through not the things you say but the things you do, repeatedly. Bob Hodson never wavered. His character was guided by his morals and principals, and both of those are beyond question based off what he has done, repeatedly.
Bob and Dorothy have high expectations for those around them. And those around them are better for it.
77 Years of marriage. Dorothy, I know you are heartbroken but let me say this, Thank you and your family for sharing Bob with the rest of us over all the years. We appreciate it more than you know.
95 years done very well, Mr. Hodson. Thank you for everything. Your advice and friendship to me and many, many others has been valuable and meaningful beyond belief.
Deepest sympathy to Dorothy and the family.
Shane Wilkin, Ohio State Senator