Robert Kent Hodson

Robert Kent Hodson, of O Fallon, MO, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Donna Hodson; cherished son of the late Oscar and Marguerite Hodson; devoted father of Amy (Jerel) Jerden; loving grandfather of Sarah (Megan), Claire, Tom (Ariana), Jack (Kenzie) and Ben; treasured great-grandfather of Ariella and Ashton; dear brother of the late Gary (Gerri survives) Hodson; uncle of Holly, Kristi, Dave (Chris) and Mike (Tiffany).

Born and raised in Indiana, Robert graduated from Speedway High School in 1964 and was an Eagle Scout who remained active in scouting throughout his early life. He went on to graduate from Indiana State University in 1970, the same year he married the love of his life, Donna. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Robert’s deep respect for military service defined much of his life. Drafted during the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Korea for 15 months. He later served in Germany from 1973 to 1976, followed by a post at Fort Meade, Maryland. Never one to stop learning, he earned his master's degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1978.

That same year, Robert was accepted into the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as a special agent — beginning a distinguished 20-year career that took him around the globe. His assignments included Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, a deployment aboard the USS America in 1981, three years in the Philippines, and further postings in Long Beach, California; St. Louis; and Guam. Through it all, he continued to serve with the U.S. Army Reserve.

In 1998, Robert retired from NCIS, but his service didn’t stop there. He returned to active duty with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). In 2000, he was stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia as the Operations Officer of the CID Battalion. After 2001, he worked between Washington, D.C., and Georgia until he retired from the Army in 2006 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) — a rare and prestigious honor reflecting his decades of leadership and commitment.

In retirement, Robert found joy in the simple but most meaningful parts of life: spending time with his grandchildren, attending ball games, birthday parties, and graduations. He was a lover of military history, a voracious reader, and a fan of low-budget sci-fi movies — always appreciating the stories behind them. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had many friends whom he enjoyed spending time with.

More than anything, Robert was a good person — kind, loyal, and steadfast in both his love for his country and his love for his family.

Memorials may be made in Robert's name to Disabled American Veterans, Immanuel Lutheran St. Charles, American Cancer Society.