David Lee Hodges, 75, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025
Memorial Service: 11AM Saturday, March 22 at Highland Baptist Church, followed by a time of gathering with his family.
David was born January 28, 1950, in Pecos, Texas to John and Kathryn Hodges. During his early years, his family lived in Plainview, while his mom and dad attended Wayland Baptist College. The Hodges family then moved to Dallas and David attended and graduated from W.W. Samuel High School. He then enrolled and attended Baylor University, where he received his BBA degree, and Baylor Law School, where he received his JD in 1973. He practiced law as a prosecutor and then in civil trial practice and served the Waco community as Chairman of McLennan County Youth Enterprises, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. In 1982, he was elected as Judge of County Court at Law #1 of McLennan County. He served as a Judge County Court at Law #1 for 20 years until 2002. During his term of office, he was elected twice as president of the Texas County Court at Law Judges’ Association and was then elected as Chairman of the Judicial Section of the Texas Bar Association, and also Chairman of the Texas Center for the Judiciary Board of Directors. After leaving the bench, he entered private practice again and purchased a law firm in McGregor. In 2004, he was selected as Judicial Liaison for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration serving a five-state region including Texas. In 2006, he was offered a full-time position on staff with the Texas Center for the Judiciary. His duties included creating and presenting impaired driving curriculum for Texas judges and helping to implement treatment courts across the state. He was then selected as Director of Judicial Education for the Texas Association of Counties and was responsible for creating curriculum and educating the county judges of the State. David and Kimberly were married in 2012, and they returned to Waco where he continued to serve as a senior retired judge sitting by assignment. He also helped to create and implement the McLennan County Mental Health Treatment Court. In 2024, he was recognized by the McLennan County Bar Association for 40 years “of outstanding judicial service to the citizens of McLennan County and the State of Texas.” Also in 2024, The Texas Impaired Driving Task Force presented him with the 2024 Texas Impaired Driving Safety Award for his efforts “in support of the mission to eliminate impaired driving in the State of Texas.”
David loved skiing, playing tennis and road biking, and he loved to be outdoors working on his ranch, and hunting and fishing. But most of all, he loved the privilege of serving the citizens of Texas as a trial judge for 40 years, and the inspiration he received from seeing changed lives when presiding over treatment courts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberley; their children, Marcus, Nikki, Ryan, and Jake; eight grandchildren; niece, Allison; brother, Gary Hodges; sisters, Susan Mikeska, and Kathy Nutting; and his many friends that were like family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: “McLennan County” with referencing a “Donation to Specialty Court / In Memory of Judge Hodges.” Treasurer’s Office, 215 N 5th Street, Ste 226, Waco, Texas 76701.
Judge Hodges will be greatly missed by his family & community. His legal advice and other talents were contributed with wisdom & care.
Judge Hodge was a kind man with a great intellect. His dedication to the law was unparalleled. Judge Hodges devotion to Judicial education for impaired driving aided and assisted all Texas Judges and brought DWI education to the forefront of judicial education . The Texas Bench and Bar will miss him greatly . Godspeed to heaven Judge Hodges .
Daryl and Debra Coffey
David Hodges was my friend and mentor from my early years of the law practice in the 1980’s until he went home, where I am certain he is rejoicing even now. He was assuredly one of my favorite judges to practice before, committed to justice, merciful when appropriate, firm when required, but always a gentleman. When our County Commissioners agreed to create an associate judge position, and Judge Hodges applied for the post, my only question was, “What are we waiting for?” As a Judge, I have enjoyed his advice, guidance and support for many years. We will all miss him; we pray for peace and assurance for his family.
I can hardly speak of the weight of the loss of Judge Hodges has had on me. Bright, funny, and an incredible human, and one of my all time favorite jurists.
Judge Hodges always presided with integrity, fairness, and kindness.
Beyond the bench, Judge Hodges was a source of wisdom and was always ready with thoughtful and considerate advice, a kind word, or a brief moment of laughter. His legacy will truly live on in those lives he touched.
Kim,
There are so many memories and so few words adequate to describe David’s impact on our lives. He will be forever in our hearts, and always on our minds. We love you!
I just heard today of the loss of a great “guy”. Judge Hodges was not only a fair and honest judge but he was also a man who was very thoughtful and giving to us “common folk”. Thank you Judge for all the smiles and laughter you brought to the Deputy County Clerks. You will surely be missed.