Reuben “Skip” Arthur Hodder, III, 78, of Scottsbluff, passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at Regional West Medical Center. A memorial service in Scottsbluff will be announced at a later date. A memorial service will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 3, 2021. A memorial has been established at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Scottsbluff.
Skip was born on July 3, 1942, at Covington, Kentucky, to Reuben Arthur Hodder, Jr. and Willa May Stock Hodder. He received his early education in the Covington Independent Public Schools, graduating from Holmes High School in 1960. He achieved a B.A. in Economics from Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
Skip enlisted in the United States Navy and was proud to have served from 1961-1967, as an Aviation Fire Control Technician (Bomb Director) Petty Officer Third Class, during the Vietnam War.
On July 11, 1992, he married Nona May Shockney in Indianapolis, Indiana. They made their home in Indianapolis where they raised their two children, Aaron C. Gunyon, and Sarah May Gunyon.
For 30 years, Skip was the founding partner of the advertising agency, Hodder, Humphrey & Associates, serving a variety of local and national companies. He received local and national recognition for his work, including the field’s top national award, The Clio, honoring bold excellence in advertising. Under Skip’s guidance, the agency was a business and a family where he was a generous mentor offering unwavering support both professionally and personally to those under his wing.
Skip was passionate about the game of golf. He was a longtime member of Highland Country Club in Indianapolis, where he pursued the game with vigor. He was a gentleman and a man’s man, who dressed impeccably, loved nice cars, fine watches, and beautiful sweaters. Skip was at home in any circumstance, and possessed the great gift of making others feel welcome and at ease. As a loving husband, he was fully present, supportive, and even self-sacrificing. In retirement, he gladly took a job at Von Maur Department Store in support of his wife’s seminary education. As a father, he was solid, loving and forgiving; always a steady, guiding hand offering wise counsel.
In 2015, Skip and his wife moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where Nona began serving as pastor to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In their new community, Skip enjoyed serving as a church Trustee, and played golf as often as possible. Loyal to a fault, he remained an avid fan of The Indianapolis Pacers and The Indianapolis Colts.
Skip is survived by his wife, The Rev. Nona Shockney-Hodder, and children: Julie Hodder, Aaron C. Gunyon (Lisa), and Sarah May Gunyon; grandchildren: Devin Herzog, Alyssa Herzog, Piper Marie Gunyon, and Maya Catherine Gunyon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Barbara Lewis, and Trudy Bowen.
Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
