Dick H. Bode
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Dick Bode passed from this life after a valiant battle with Covid-19 on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. He was one of a kind, had a quick wit, and was respected, admired, and loved by many.
Born in Bloemendaal, Holland in 1934, he spent his younger years under the occupation of the Nazis. His task was helping his father deliver messages to the Dutch Underground during World War II, and he suffered two gunshot wounds at the hands of a Nazi soldier. They also hid Jews in their home, for which a tree was planted in their honor at Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem, Israel. After Holland was emancipated by American and Canadian soldiers, the family decided to make the move to America. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a green card holder, becoming part of the Strategic Air Command and paying it forward to the Americans that helped them to gain their freedom. He was very proud to become an American citizen, and proudly spoke at many Veteran's Day programs and other meetings, telling his story and proclaiming his love for America.
He met Barbara when he was home on leave. She became the love of his life and they married June 13, 1959. The family made the move to Alanreed in 1975. He was proud to be a Texan, and took pride in serving the people of the panhandle as an insurance man, providing excellent service to his many clients. At the age of 86, he still worked most days at his office until he became ill in mid-November. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of McLean, the American Legion, and served many years as the President of the School Board in Alanreed and as President of the McClellan Creek Soil & Water Conservation District.
He loved the peace and serenity he found on the ranch, walking daily at sunset to take in all the beauty. He will be laid to rest there in a private graveside ceremony. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a baby sister.
He is survived by his sweetheart of sixty one years, Barbara Bode, a daughter, Margie Braidfoot and husband Randy of Panhandle, sons Dirk Bode and Don Bode and wife Michele, of Amarillo, four grandsons, one granddaughter and a great granddaughter. He will also be missed by his two brothers, four sisters, two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of McLean.