Burnett “Buck” Sanford Hodge, age 79, of Pingree Grove, IL, passed away on May 6, 2022. He was born July 20, 1942 in Evergreen Park, IL to his loving parents, Burnett and Virginia (née Hedrick) Hodge.

Buck met Judy DeMumbrum in high school, and they were married on May 26, 1962. Together they raised three children.

Buck joined the United States Navy in 1961, and served four years before being honorably discharged in 1965. He then worked for Motorola for 33 years.

Buck was an honest, hardworking man, and was quiet, gentle, and patient. He adored his family and was a caring and loving father. He enjoyed spending time with them, and to his children, he was the Best. Dad. Ever!

Buck loved music, especially country. He enjoyed singing and playing both guitar and saxophone. He was very creative and smart. He enjoyed woodworking and also working on computers. He also liked to golf occasionally, and watch movies.

His children fondly remember how he required at least four hugs per day. His daughter, Laura, loved when he would open up his jacket so she could slide her arms around his waist, and he would wrap the jacket around her for a wonderful hug.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, David Hodge. He is survived by his wife, Judith Hodge; children, Laura (Benjamin) Hinkle, Christine (David) Stubbs, and Bradley (Judith Benson) Hodge; sister, Luana Livingston; grandchildren, Alicia (Joseph) Frederick, Emily (Lance) Altschul, Daniel Stubbs, Randall Stubbs, Abigale (Joshua) Stengler, Matthew Hodge, and Jacob Hodge; great-grandchildren, Ava Garciadelgado, Jaxon Altschul, James Stengler, and Annabelle Stengler.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with funeral service with full military honors at 7:00pm, Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Pr. Kim Chapman will be officiating.

Mourners are encouraged to review the funeral home COVID-19 public health policies ahead of time.

To access the visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on safe from home via Zoom.us (Meeting ID: 811 9142 0136, Password: 934428).

A private interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 U.S. Highway 20, Elgin, IL 60120.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Buck’s name to either Faith United Methodist Church, 325 S. Stott Street, Genoa, IL 60135, or Kindred Hospice, 85 W. Algonquin Road, Suite 100, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.