The Life Story of Emanuel Esque Hodge

SSG Emanuel Esque Hodge affectionately called "Q" was born February 26, 1960, to the late Frederick Lawrence Sr. and the late Betty Showell. He peacefully heeded the Masters call on Wednesday March 12, 2025, at his home.

Esque was a kind, caring man of a few words. He would say what he meant and meant what he said. He was a Gentle Giant with a big heart who loved his family and his friends. He would do whatever he could to help anyone. Emanuel always had a word of encouragement for others and especially to those in his family who are making strides to better their lives and to be the best they can. He was known to celebrate their accomplishments and reward them with something as simple as a jumbo size lollipop to handing out cash.

Raised in Dagsboro, Esque received his primary and secondary education within the Indian River School District, graduating in 1978 from Indian River High School in Frankford, Delaware.

He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Win or lose that was his team until the end. Esque loved sports. Playing in the Mason Dixon Men's Softball League was his passion. He was on "Cloud Nine" while he was out there playing with his teammates. He earned the title and was crowned "The Best Black Catcher" that EVER played in the Mason Dixon League. Esque played ball with CO2, Gun & Rod, and The Hustlers. Many Championships were won during this time.

Esque was always a hard worker who took pride in his work. From a young age, the importance of having a strong work ethic was instilled in him as he worked alongside his pop-pop McKinley Hodge. He was employed at Townsends, Inc. in Millsboro; Bunting Construction in Selbyville for a long durations before becoming employed in 1999 by the Indian River School District as a custodian. First, he worked at Frankford Elementary School, and then onto the District Office, and the Southern Delaware School of the Arts, where he was the Chief Custodian. He thoroughly enjoyed being there with the staff and the students. Emanuel enjoyed this so much, he would even grace the halls in his illness with his presence, checking on "HIS" school and those in it. He would make his way to his office to sit at his desk to conversate with those around him. What a smile he would have on his face from the joy that was in his heart.

Although his Christian Walk was just beginning, his faith in God was always present.

In his downtime, one would always find him in the yard or somewhere cleaning up his truck giving it a blinding shine. Emanuel would also make a run almost every day to his favorite spot, the Millsboro Food Lion, or even hanging out with his buddies Wayne Manuel, Kenny Spady and his best friend and twin, James Gibbs aka Shultz. He never neglected doing something with his "ace" Walter Smith. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time making precious memories, not only with his family but with all his friends and his soldier buddies.

SSG Emanuel Hodge served with distinction in the Delaware Army National Guard 262 Maintenance Company located in Dagsboro, Delaware from 1984 until retirement in 2019. He was known for his strong leadership skills and received various honors, medals and recognition for his service. He also did several tours oversees, including Iraq, and Germany as well as other locations.

In addition to his parents, Emanuel was proceeded in death by his daughter, Va'Lisa Ingram; son, Emanuel Ingram; his maternal grandparents, Genora and McKinley Hodge; maternal aunt, Ann Hodge Johns (all who raised him); paternal grandparents, Hattie and Albert Lawrence Sr.

Emanuel leaves to cherish loving memories his wife Gale Teresa Hodge; one son, Steven Harris (Toemiese); one daughter, Quayshetta Hopkins (Rozelle Mason); a brother, Frederick Lawrence Jr.; 4 sisters: Duralene Preston; Bonita Williams; Valerie Marshall; Sabrina Isler (Donald); The Hodge Originals;  grandchildren: Dwayne Dashiell, Christopher Justice, Jawan Justice, Tamia Justice, My'Tez Hunt, R'Miya Rosado, Myrion Hunt, Steven Harris Jr., Emajah Ingram, and Emanuel "Quron" Ingram Jr; 7 great grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law: Bethenia Drummond (Rudolph); Vanessa Elias (John); Voletta Ingram; 4 uncles: SSGT. Kenneth Hodge; Albert Lawrence Jr.; Melvin Lawrence; Riceton Johns; 2 aunts: Jean Johnson and Linda Thomas; one great uncle, Rev. Daniel Williams; a great aunt, Ora Lee Williams; a special niece, Donnesha Isler; 3 special nephews: Jeffrey Taylor Jr, Kenyatta Preston, and Carlos Hammond; 2 godchildren: Trudena Horsey and DeNare Horsey, SDSA family, 262 Soldiers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends, all who loved him very much and will miss him dearly.