Darren Van Hodges

Darren Van Hodges, age 46, of Idaho Falls, died Saturday, October 22, 2011 in Island Park. Darren was born June 21, 1965 in Idaho Falls, a son of Melvin Abraham Hodges and Freda Cleverly Hodges. He attended Ririe Schools and graduated from Ririe High School. Darren married Diane Lords, in March of 1984 in Rigby, they were later divorced. He married the love of his life Connie Lynn Jacobs on February 4, 2000 in Menan, Idaho. Darren worked as a truck driver for most of his life, and drove for I-PAK for the last 12 years. He played grid kid football, enjoyed horses and rode with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Posse for several years. He enjoyed chariot racing, cattle, ranching, farming, fishing, playing pool, bowling, and especially enjoyed his family and friends. Darren never passed up an opportunity to tell or hear a good joke. Darren is survived by his wife Connie Hodges of Idaho Falls, a step daughter Deanna (Darwin) Smout of Rexburg, three sisters, Roberta Windsor of La Grande, Oregon, Diane Hodges of Butte, Montana, Trecia Hodges of Washington, seven brothers, Jed (Nina) Hodges of Rigby, Ned Hodges of Idaho Falls, Byron (Gayle) Hodges of Idaho Falls, Mike (Bernadette) Hodges of Pueblo, Colorado, Ivan (Carmen) Hodges of Florida, Bradley Hodges of Washington, Robert Windsor of Portland, Oregon, and three grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a step son Deven. Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby with Mark Christenson officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.