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Tahlequah Cemetery

Tahlequah, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, USA
Coordinates: 35.90890, -94.99750

© Hart Funeral Home of Tahlequah
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Bryan Keith Hodge

Feb 5, 1967 ~ Jan 25, 2026

Bryan Keith Hodge, 58, of Park Hill, Oklahoma, left his earthly home on January 25, 2026. Born on February 5, 1967, at Muskogee Regional Hospital to Bill Hodge and Marti York (Franklin), Bryan grew into a man whose presence filled every room with warmth, humor, and heart. He married the love of his life, Laura Hodges, on December 15, 2007, beginning a partnership marked by joy, devotion, and countless shared adventures.

Funeral Service will be 11 AM, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Calvary Assembly of God, burial to follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 05,2026 at Hart Funeral Home from 4 PM until 6 PM.

A proud graduate of Tahlequah High School, Class of 1985, Bryan excelled in football and wrestling and built lifelong friendships that remained in his life. Known for his big smile that could melt butter-complete with his "Granny's dimples"-and a laugh so big and joyful it could brighten anyone's day, Bryan carried his good nature everywhere he went.

Bryan was a dedicated member of Cherokee Lodge #10, the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and the Bedouin Shrine, where he took great pride in being a true Shriner. As the owner of Bryan Hodge Excavation, Inc., he turned his talent for heavy equipment into a career that took him from Homestead, Florida, to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and countless places in between.

His passion for working began early. By the age of two, he was already "erking" in the dirt; using fireworks to dynamite his sister out of the piles of dirt, by eight, he was a bit startled from rolling a backhoe; and at twelve, looking like a grown man he competed against seasoned professionals in the CAT Backhoe Rodeo, placing third nationwide. He learned from his daddy, which he then turned into a lifelong career-playing with live Tonka trucks. Known as one of the finest dozer operators around, Bryan could turn a pile of dirt into something that looked like a perfectly iced cake. Whether navigating steep mountainsides that others would not try to attempt or climbing giant piles of rubble, he handled every machine as if it were an extension of himself. Watching Bryan operate was like watching a conductor lead an orchestra-precise, fluid, and masterful.

His adventures didn't stop at work. At the age of fifteen, he was very clever and precise at returning the '55 Chevy 2-door Hardtop Bel Air to its exact spot just like it hadn't been out racing night after night-only getting caught when Granny forgot it was a secret and mentioned paying a ticket for him. Bryan lived boldly, laughed loudly, and tackled every challenge with a mix of skill, mischief, and joy.

At home, the "Hodge Lodge" became a gathering place for friends and family. Whether hosting pool days, holiday celebrations, he loved a big fireworks show off the bluff, football parties, or simple evenings of relaxation, Bryan welcomed everyone as if they were family. He and Laura cherished their days together-working, traveling, playing, or simply lounging with their fur babies and enjoying the peaceful views.

Bryan's hobbies reflected his zest for life. He loved racing down the ski slopes, playing Moon, cheering on college football, and enjoying anything that involved saltwater-boating, fishing, shrimping, or glacier exploring. He was proud of their veggie garden (while lovingly micromanaging Laura's watering technique), trying out As Seen on TV products, scrolling through Facebook Reels, sharing a round of golf, or anything Laura cooked-always with gratitude and praise.

Bryan is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; father-in-law, Don Hodges; Uncle Auldon Hodge; Aunt Willena Robinson; Aunt Jacquie Hobbs; and brother-in-law, Rick Gaches.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, of Park Hill, OK; his son, Taylor Keith Hodge (Andrea); and grandchildren Emerald, Bear, and Jewel Hodge, all of Tahlequah, OK. He is also survived by his father, Bill (Margaret) of Tahlequah, OK; his mother, Marti (Chuck) York of Anchorage, AK; sisters Dana (Jeff) Cruver of Kalama, WA, and Amanda Hodge of Tahlequah, OK; stepbrothers COL. Ron (Monica) Quiett of El Paso, TX, and CPT. Roger Quiett of Tahlequah, OK; and stepsisters Bonnie (Austin) Dickson of Tulsa, OK, and Becky (Shaun) Shephard of Tahlequah, OK.

Additional survivors include brothers-in-law Michael Hodges of Tahlequah, OK; Dr. Steven (Sonya) Hodges of Jenks, OK; and Chris (Joeli) Hodges of Tulsa, OK; as well as mothers-in-law Janice Hodges of Tahlequah, OK, and Ruth Hodges of Tulsa, OK.

His beloved nieces and nephews include Ashley (Jon and great nephew Kennedy) Mitchell; Payton (Caleb) Nelms; Micah and Paisley Gaches; Evan, Bryce, Ethan, Will, Kade, and Christian Hodges; Seth (Ally) Mascho; and Brock Mascho.

Being the third oldest nephew to his Uncle Prentice Robinson, Aunt Jo (Arnold) Reed, Uncle Bucky (Kay) Franklin, Uncle Richard (Sharie) Franklin, Aunt Francie Teel, and Uncle Scott Hobbs.

His cousins include Mike Franklin, Shelly Romeo, Angela Conrad, Jeff Teel, Amy Duplissis, Jill Almond, Dr. Chris Wilcox, Dr. Rick Franklin, Alena Zike, Ross Read, Zac Hobbs, Julie Crow, Clay Hobbs, Lenya Robinson, Jerome Robinson, Kristi Shadbolt, and Keith Hodge.