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Henry Benford Hodge

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Henry Benford Hodge was born in Giddings, Texas to Ocelia Rivers Hodge and Henry Hodge on August 29, 1946.  Henry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  He and his sister, Lucile spent their early years in Giddings, Texas growing up with many family and friends.

Henry accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully attended church services and served in multiple capacities during his life. Henry attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Elgin, Texas.  He courageously served in the United States Army from July 1966 to June 1969 with a tour to Germany.  Upon return from his enlistment he married, S. Evelyn Flowers on July 19, 1969.  To this union one daughter was born in 1972.

On October 24, 1974, Henry married Elvira Sheffield and welcomed her seven children as his own. This union lasted for 28 years until the untimely death of Elvira in 2003.

Henry has been deeply involved in many areas supporting church activities.  He was a deacon at Palestine Baptist Church in San Antonio and while attending New Beginning Baptist Mission he served as a deacon, sang in the choir and was a member of the Finance Committee.  All one had to do was ask and if he was able, he would help in any other capacity that was needed.

While living in Denton, Texas Henry’s law enforcement career was established and flourished from North to Central Texas.  Henry worked for the Denton Police Department for several years before working for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.  Upon moving to central Texas, Henry worked for the Boerne Police Department and the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department.  In 1996 Henry was elected as Sheriff of Kendall County.  Henry’s elected position was recognized as the first African-American elected as Sheriff in south Central Texas since at least the Reconstruction period. He was endorsed by former President George W. Bush and served two terms as Sheriff.  After approximately  30 years in law enforcement, Henry retired and moved to Karnes County.  Henry remained a resident of Karnes County until his death.  Henry enjoyed retirement and spent much time traveling across the state of Texas as well as across the nation.  He loved to go fishing and kept a fishing tackle box prepared for his next trip.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents (Ocelia and Henry Hodge), a son (Adrian Sheffield), and wife (Elvira Sheffield Hodge).

On February 5, 2020 Henry left this earthly world to join the angels in heaven.  He leaves to cherish his memories: his sister, Lucile Johnson-Sexton (and PJ); his nephew, Halford Johnson; children, Henry Lawrence Kelley, Evelyn Annette Sheffield, Beverly Renee Sheffield, Ben Andrew Sheffield, Jr., Wanda Marie Powell (and Willie), Loita Williams (and Robert), and Dr. Ehrikka Hodge (and Dr. Ivan Messer); grandchildren, Shannon (and Jamian), La Shonia, Jeremy (and Shernell), Shaneka, Brittany, Kendra, Derrick Jr., Baileigh, Ben III, and Breanna; great-grandchildren, Jadan, Jazlen, La Mon, Janelle, Jerrell, Chozin, Cherish, Tru, Dream, Love, Halo, Ja’Kyra, Comorian, D’Yanna, and Da’Zhira; and many cousins, other relatives and friends.