L. Arbor Hodgson, 89, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 16, 2008, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington, Nebraska. He was born April 22, 1919, at rural Lexington, to Lovell H. and Grace Belle (Yerg) Hodgson.

Arbor attended rural Lexington schools and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1936. He then went on to further his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Agricultural short-term course for two years.

Upon the completion of his schooling, Arbor returned to the farm. He was united in marriage to Fern Bell on May 29, 1946, at Eddyville, Nebraska. Three sons were blessed to this union; Lennis, David and Steven. The couple later adopted a son, Richard, as a young boy and raised him as their own.

Arbor and Fern spent their married lives, except for the past few months, on the farm. They raised crops, horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, milk-cows and pigs. When asked what Arbor did for fun or hobbies, he explained the farm was his "fun".

He was a member of the Berean Bible Church since 1972, where he was a member of the church board for several years. He was a member of Gideon International and a dedicated 4-H leader for 14 years.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years: Fern Hodgson of Lexington, Nebraska. Sons: Lennis (Diane) Hodgson of Kearney, Nebraska, David (Marlene) Hodgson of Lexington, Nebraska, Pastor Steven (Jeannie) Hodgson of Hutchinson, Kansas, Adopted son: Richard Hodgson of Colorado. Two sisters: Nola Hodgson of Aurora, Nebraska Iona Shafer of Sumner, Nebraska. Nine grandchildren: Chad (Melissa) Hodgson of Omaha, Nebraska; Matthew Hodgson of Minden, Nebraska; Joel, Jared and Justin Hodgson of Lexington, Nebraska; Caleb (Charity) Hodgson of Palmyra, Pennsylvania; Charissa (Joe) Sanders of Lee Summit, Missouri; Luke (Emily) Hodgson of Kansas City, Missouri; Asher Hodgson of Hutchinson, Kansas. Two great-grandsons: Micah & Jaron Hodgson of Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

Arbor was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Lexington with Pastor Glenn Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 19, 2008, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Berean Bible Church or the Donor's Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.