Lincoln — Rocky Shawn Hodgdon, Sr, 64, of Lincoln, passed away on Sunday March 17, 2024, at his mother’s home surrounded by his family.
Rocky Shawn Hodgdon was born on January 24, 1960, in Lincoln, the son of Norman and Lynette Ketcham Hodgdon. Rocky graduated from Lincoln Community High School in 1978 and went straight into the work force at Lincoln Bottle Factory. He married Sue Berry in 1980 and fate took them to Texas.
Rocky remained in Texas for 33 years where he was a jack of all trades. Like his Dad he was a perfectionist and was in high demand for his work ethics. Though Rocky and Sue divorced they remained friends and raised their two children together.
In 2014, Rocky moved back to Lincoln to be closer to his parents and to help them out. He started HHI, Hodgdon Home Improvements, where he would say I’m taking a day off and don’t care what my boss thinks. When working he always enjoyed having his dad nearby if he had questions on how to do a job. Getting on his schedule was no easy task and was sometime a long wait, which people were happy to do! After he got sick, he liked nothing better than driving around Lincoln, tapping his foot to tunes on Ozzy’s Boneyard, and pointing out the different houses he did jobs at. Rocky loved what he did and his customers, who became friends, loved Rocky. On one remodel job he met his “babe”, Diane Hagan, the customer who became his special friend.
Rocky recently celebrated his 64th birthday with a surprise celebration. He could not have been happier seeing all those that gathered to celebrate him. All who knew Rocky know that he was all about family and his Harley Davidsons. Avid rider, and collector of all things HD, he always had on a Harley shirt, and hat/do rag. Everyone knew when Rocky was in the house when you heard the rumble ring tone of his phone, burrumble, burrumble.
Rocky fought a courageous 8-month battle with cancer. Through all treatments, jabs, procedures and side effects he never complained. When asked how he was doing it was always, “just peachy.” He had an excellent group of doctors, nurses, family and friends supporting him. His only complaint through it all was that he lost his hair. Rocky started growing his “Fabio” locks in 7th grade. He was very proud of his long hair. He was more than happy to let sister, Leslie, rub his head to get that hair growing again!
Rocky is survived by his mother, Lynette Hodgdon of Lincoln; son Rocky Shawn Hodgdon, Jr. (Jessica Mayfield) of Spring, Texas; daughter Amanda (Steven) Olmos of Austin, Texas; grandchildren: Rocky Shawn Hodgdon, III, Ashlynn Olmos, and Mallory Olmos; sisters Kim (Ronnie) Frakes of Beason, Leslie (Todd) Wright of Corinth, Texas; and Missy Hodgdon (John Iocca) of Springfield; Aunt Susie Boyd; special friend Diane Hagan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad.
Rocky attended church at the Elkhart and Mt. Pulaski United Methodist Churches.
Memorials may be sent to Rocky Hodgdon Memorial Fund, C/O CEFCU, PO Box 1715, Peoria, IL 61656. Donations will be sent to several charities Rocky supported.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery in rural Beason.
Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Peasley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
