L. Hodge Garrett

L. Hodge Garrett, 89, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and Christian companion died unexpectedly on April 29, 2016, at his home in West Monroe, LA.Born in Ouachita Parish on September 13, 1926, to the union of Conner Lee Hodge Garrett and L.C. Garrett, he was educated in West Monroe and at Ouachita Parish High School. He served in the United States Navy and was a proud graduate of Baylor University. His career with Halliburton as a chemist took him to Duncan, OK, and to Shreveport, LA. Upon retirement from Halliburton in 1972, he moved “home” to West Monroe, LA. He enjoyed a second career in homebuilding and later as a petroleum landman. He and his adoring wife, Melba, traveled extensively, and he maintained friendships with many who traveled with them. Hodge was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of West Monroe, where he served on numerous committees and as an usher. He always had a passion for the outdoors and loved the years spent fishing with his grandsons at his camp on Lake D’Arbonne. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and activities at the Gun Club. After Hodge was widowed, he enjoyed many years of companionship with Jean Rugg. She gave him a new lease on life, and they enjoyed a wonderful endearing relationship. In the fall of 2015, Hodge was honored to be a part of the Hero’s Flight to Washington, D.C., where he visited all the memorials and landmarks so dear to him and integral in his life.Mr. Garrett is preceded in death by his wife, Melba Barrett Garrett; brothers, Aubrey and Edward Garrett; and niece, Linda Ann Garrett Fentress.Survivors include his daughter, Melanie Garrett Colvin and son-in-law, Micheal L. Colvin. Also surviving him are his grandsons, Garrett Micheal Colvin and wife, Danielle Storey Colvin, Matthew Cox Colvin, great grandson, Connor Joseph (C.J.) Colvin; niece, Dianne Garrett Bruscato; and his special companion, Jean Rugg.Serving as Pallbearers will be Jerry Sikes, Stanley Burkett, Skip Stinson, Skip Moore, Bubby Brooks, David Cox, and Steve Best. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. George Bennett, Dr. Frank Bruscato, Dr. James Hebert, Carl Tidwell, and W.J. (Bill) Hodge.We, his family, extend our thanks to Dr. Kerry Anders, Rita Savanna, Debra Caples, Hazel Gordon, and Ethel Craft for the care shown to Hodge through the years. We also appreciate the St. Francis Home Health Group, especially Larry Townsend, his home health nurse. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, May 2, 2016, at First United Methodist Church of West Monroe, LA with Rev. Jon Tellifero officiating. Interment will follow at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, LA. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM prior to the service under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of West Monroe, LA or the Chennault Aviation Museum.