Longtime Hodgkins mayor Noel Cummings, 98, who served the village for more than 40 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, at his residence at Stoneridge of Farmington, Mississippi.
Hodgkins officials held a moment of silence in his honor before the start of Monday night’s village board meeting.
Mayor Ernest Millsap said the village will hold a Celebration of Life for Cummings at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 27. He also said the village would dedicate a street in his honor.
Cummings was born October 19, 1927 to Arthur Frank Cummings and Lucy Della Hartley Cummings in Burnsville, Mississippi.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Cummings carried with him throughout his life a strong work ethic, a sense of duty, and a deep commitment to family and community. He will be remembered for his steady leadership, practical wisdom, and willingness to serve others.
Cummings proudly served his country in the Army during World War II. He entered service in December 1945 and served with the 12th Constabulary Squadron in Germany as a part of the Army of Occupation. He worked as a jeep driver and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 23,1947.
Following his military service, Cummings attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College. As a part of the post-World War II great northern migration, Noel and his family moved to Chicago to find work. He was eventually employed with International Harvester in Melrose Park as a welder. Cummings retired from International Harvester after also serving in supervisory and management roles.
Cummings devoted much of his life to public service, most notably as village trustee and ultimately as mayor. First elected in 1979, he served for more than four decades, becoming the longest serving mayor in the village’s history. Through his leadership tenure, Hodgkins experienced significant economic growth and development, and he provided steady guidance through years of change. His long tenure reflected a deep commitment to the community and its people, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact.
Cummings was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Nelda Benick Cummings, and his siblings, Christopher Columbus (Lum), Ruby Jewel Curtis, Francis Grace Ellenburg, Lara Vee McMeans, John Daniel, Arthur Frank, Jr. and Billy Joel (died in infancy).
Cummings is survived by his children, Daniel Noel and his wife Jean (née Przykucki), Brenda Sherlyn Klotz and her husband Daniel; his grandchildren, Joseph Daniel Klotz and his wife Holly (née Grant), Brandon John Cummings and his wife Andrea (née Koenig), and Richard Noel Cummings; his honorary grandchildren, Jacqueline Armbrister (née Morrell), and Jeff and Michael Strickland, as well as numerous other great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Memorial Funeral Home with Brother Alan Parker officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialcorinth.com
