Douglas Kent Hodel

The family will have a visitation on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.

Funeral services to honor Doug’s life will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 10:30a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1333 North 3rd St. Burial will immediately follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Doug was born in Plainview, Texas to Verner John Hodel and Martha Helen Hodel. He graduated from Lockney High School in 1970.

His started his career in Lubbock, Texas at the local Television station, KLBK, and then began a long profession in Advertising and Public Relations notably at Webster Harris, Covenant Hospital and the American Heart Association.

Doug moved to Abilene in the late 1990’s to work for Associated Publishing and then became the President and CEO of Goodwill West Texas in 2006. He resigned in 2008 to pursue his longtime dream and started his own photography business. He recently retired from Creative Graphic Solutions to focus solely on his photography and spend more time with family.

Doug gave to his community abundantly. He worked closely with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce where he served on their Board of Directors, Marketing Committee and most recently the Red Coats. He gave his time and services to many charitable organizations in the city such as the Hispanic Business Council, the Abilene Zoo and Keep Abilene Beautiful. Doug was honored countless times with awards and accolades throughout his life, however his biggest reward was his beloved daughter and granddaughter, whom filled him with so much pride.

After his daughter and granddaughter, Photography was the love of his life and Abilene was his canvas.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Espina and son-in-law Denis Espina; his sister, Dinah Kay McCulloch and brother-in-law Keith McCulloch; his granddaughter, Stella Espina; nieces, Marcy Bryan and Shannon Blackwood; one grand-niece; four grand-nephews; and his adored dogs, Sir Chauncy and Cindy Lou Hoo.

Memorials can be made to a local Abilene Charity of your choice and flowers sent to Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.