Wilber "Bud" C. Hodges Jr., 81, Coal Valley, IL passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Allure of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL. He will be interred in a private ceremony with military honors at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Milan American Legion.

Bud was born November 1, 1942 on a farm in Kahoka, MO to Anna Mae (Bartels) and Wilber C. Hodges Sr. After graduating from Kahoka High School in 1960, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served on the USS Epperson until being honorably discharged in 1963.

Bud spent his career in the engineering field working as a journeyman tool and die maker and building prototypes for John Deere and other manufacturing companies.

On December 10, 1983 Bud was united in marriage to Valerie Niclas in Coal Valley, where they would make their home for the next 40 years. They also loved their time spent at their house in Florida where they wintered for many years.

He was extremely patriotic and a proud member of the Milan American Legion. Bud was never one to sit still, always tinkering with something. He loved gas engines and enjoyed doing projects with his buddies. He could fix anything and was always willing to help people--every one of their neighbors in Florida brought their golf cart to Bud at some point. Bud also enjoyed fishing and was an aviation enthusiast who flew planes for over 30 years.

Bud is survived by his wife, Valerie and their beloved dog, Chester; sister, Karen (Gary) Diehl; nephews, Damon and Colin and their families; and a sister-in-law, Marcia Gallagher.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Online guestbook at www.wheelanpressly.com.