Daniel Dotson Hodges

Daniel Dotson Hodges, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, "birdman", and friend to many, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 3, 2024 after a brief illness. Daniel loved quietly, but deeply, making all who knew him feel seen, valued, and included. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Daniel was born on November 10, 1952 in Lampasas, Texas to John Mitchell and Lottie (Schick) Hodges, graduating from Lampasas High School in 1971. After working parttime at Terry Pharmacy in Lampasas beginning at age 16, Daniel decided to make pharmacy his profession. He earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1976, and was an active pharmacist until 2023. Daniel, along with Jimbo Sargent, owned and operated Hodges and Sargent Pharmacy in Lampasas until it was sold in 2013, providing professional, caring, and dependable service to the community of Lampasas. He married his high school sweetheart, Dianna (Wear), on May 30, 1975. They were married for 49 wonderful, adventure-filled years, moving back to Lampasas to raise their family and settle into the community. Two daughters were born from this union, Annah Danielle Hodges and Karen Elizabeth (Hodges) Limmer. Daniel's family meant everything to him. Daniel, along with his wife Dianna, was intricately involved in the community of Lampasas, always ready to lend a hand, make a donation, or just be there in times of need. Daniel served on the Cooper Spring Nature Park Foundation Board since its inception in 2014. He was an active member of Vision Lampasas; a long-time, active member of the Lions Club; and was voted Masonic Lodge Businessman of the Year. Daniel served as a deacon at the First Street Church of Christ and was an active Benevolence Committee member there. Fondly known as "Birdman" to friends and family alike, Daniel was a lifelong birder. He was quite involved with local ornithological societies, serving as President of the Texas Ornithological Society, and an active member of the Williamson County Audubon group. He and Dianna took great pleasure traveling the world over in pursuit of birds to add to his Life List. He carried his binoculars wherever he went! Baseball was another of Daniel's lifelong passions. From attending games around the country, to collecting memorabilia, and sharing his enormous mental file of obscure baseball stats with those around him, Daniel's love of the sport was never in question. Daniel is survived by his wife, Dianna of Lampasas; daughters Annah Hodges of San Marcos and Karen (Andrew) Limmer of Anchorage, Alaska; brother John E Hodges (Shanea Davis) of Austin; sisters Lucia Hodges of Pflugerville, Christine Hodges of Round Rock, and Rebecca Hodges Turner (Tom) of Newcastle, WA; grandchildren Isabella Tess Lopez, Olivia Lottie Lopez, Henry Hodges Limmer, and William Daniel Limmer; numerous in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends than one can count in a lifetime. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:00am at the First Street Church of Christ in Lampasas, with minister Kevin Haynes officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pall bearers will be John E Hodges (brother), Andrew Limmer (son-in-law), Tom Turner (brother-in-law), Bernie Koepsel (brother-in-law), Brent Golden, and Greg Smith. David Wear (brother-in-law) will serve as honorary pall bearer. Memorials may be given to The Cooper Springs Nature Park Foundation or the First Street Church of Christ Benevolence Ministry. The family deeply appreciates the many prayers, visits, kind words, acts of kindness, and food provided as we process Daniel's untimely death. Your friendship and support mean more than we can express. His passing leaves a Birdman-sized hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We will miss his quick and quirky wit, his kindness, his loyalty, his intelligence, and his quiet but deep love for all of God's creatures.

Daniel Dotson Hodges

November 10, 1952 - October 3, 2024