Chester Hodges was born in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky on May 23, 1907 the son of Clarence H. and Ora E. Hodges. He attended elementary, secondary and high school in Kentucky, graduating in 1924. He continued his education at the Ohio Mechanics Institute and the University of Cincinnati.
After selling newspapers, on street comers, to finance his education, Most Worshipful Brother Hodges joined the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company in 1925 where he spent his entire career. He advanced through the ranks in that company and retired as the Director of Community Services on June 1, 1972 after 47 years of continuous service. His “second career” consists of considerable Real Estate holdings in Cincinnati and other areas of the country.
During his distinguished life Chester served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cincinnati Gardens. The National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Masonic Chapel, the First National Bank of Middletown, the Middletown Civic Association, Middletown Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America, Middletown Chamber of Commerce, and Middletown Salvation Army. He was a member, and Past President of the White Oak Kiwanis Club in Cincinnati and a member of the Middletown Club, the Transit Travelers Club and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Most Worshipful Brother Hodges was Raised a Master Mason on June 4, 1932 in Linwood Lodge #567 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1944. He also served his Lodge as its Secretary during the 1945 Lodge year.
He was a member and Past High Priest of Temple Chapter #172, Royal Arch Masons, in Kentucky. A member of Jefferies Council #33, in Kentucky and later affiliated with Cincinnati Council #1. Joined Newport Commandery #13, Kentucky in 1940 and affiliated with Hanselmann Commandery #16 in 1959, also a member and Past Sovereign of St. Columbo Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine.
Illustrious Brother Hodges received the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in 1943 and served Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix as its Most Wise Master in 1955 and 1956. On September 28, 1955 he was coroneted a Thirty Third Degree, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. He was elected Trustee of the Valley of Cincinnati in 1957 and served in that position until 1993.
Noble Hodges was a member and Past Potentate of Syrian Shrine of Cincinnati, the Royal Order of Jesters and Oola Khan Grotto where he served as Chaplain, 1957, 1958 and 1959.
Brother Hodges belonged to Ohio Chapter #218, Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Patron in 1945. He held memberships in Cincinnati Shrine #4, White Shrine of Jerusalem, The Royal Order of Scotland, Cincinnati Masonic Club and the Valley of Cincinnati Thirty Third Club.
Brother Chester presided as President of the First Masonic District Officers’ Association, the Society f Past Masters of Cincinnati, and the Wayfarers’ Club.
“Dad Hodges” began a most distinguished career with the International Order of DeMolay in 1960 when he was appointed Executive Officer for Ohio. He held that position until July of 1986. In addition to his deep commitment and dedication to DeMolay in Ohio, he distinguished himself as Grand Master of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay in the year 1971-1972. Under his direction, Ohio DeMolay flourished. Among his greatest pleasures was the success of The Ohio DeMolay Scholarship Foundation (founded by him). This Foundation now boasts of an endowment of more than $500,000 and annually awards more than 30 scholarships.
In the Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Brother Hodges served the First Masonic District and The Grand Lodge of Ohio as a District Deputy Grand Master in 1947, 1948 and 1949. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon in 1952 by Most Worshipful Brother William McKinley Judd. In succeeding years he was appointed Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal and Grand Orator. He was elected Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master and in October 1958 Most Worshipful Brother Chester Hodges was elected Grand Master of Masons in Ohio where he served with great dignity and humility.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Brother Hodges was faithfully supported by his devoted friend, Miss Ruth Tansing. A pillar of strength, Miss Tansing has been at his side as a trusted adviser for more than thirty years, and was with him during the last days of his life. Most Worshipful Brother Chester Hodges passed away on April 27, 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Visitation was held on Sunday, April 30, 1995 at the Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Masonic Services, as well as Scottish Rite Services were conducted at 7:00 p.m. on that evening. Brother Hodges was laid to rest at the Arlington Cemetery in Mt. Healthy, Ohio.