Donald Millard Hodgkins, Jr., 81, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.

Born on April 4, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, he was a son of the late Donald M. and Lorraine R. Hodgkins.  He completed his schooling in the Chicago area.

Joining the U.S. Coast Guard in 1958, he became a member of the search and rescue team.  His assigned ship was involved in a support role at the Bay of Pigs.  He was honorably discharged in 1962.

On July 25, 1999, he married Melody H. Calvert.

He had been employed by C.L. Schust Company, Fort Wayne in their HVAC division.

He was a member of the First Church of God, Columbia City, VFW Post 5582, Columbia City, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABATE of Indiana Motorcycle Club.

Surviving is his wife, Melody; a son Donald Allen Hodgkins of Cleveland, OH; a daughter Zorraina Bilbeo; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter Shanna Ballard.

Donald's wish was for his body to be donated to science.  A celebration of his life will be held at 12 noon Monday at the First Church of God, 1200 W. Depoy Drive, Columbia City with visitation from 11 a.m. until the service Monday at the church.

Preferred memorials in Donald's honor are to The Wounded Warrior Project.