Oral Franklin Hudson
February 16, 1937 ~ March 4, 2024
Oral Franklin Hudson, 87, of Princeton formerly of St. Anne, IL passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024 at OSF Saint Clare Hospital in Princeton.
Oral was born February 16, 1937 in Boswell, Indiana the son of Oral C. and Eva E. (Flynn) Hudson. He married Dolores DuMontelle on June 6, 1964 at First Presbyterian Church in St. Anne, IL. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2022. Oral was a maintenance technician for American Spring Wire for many years prior to his retirement in 2000. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Anne and, more recently, a member at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Princeton. After he retired, Oral and Dolores moved to Bella Vista, AR where he was able to pursue his many interests: fishing, playing golf, drawing, painting, and wood carving. Oral was also passionate about music and became an active member of the Bella Vista Men's Chorus. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Oral is survived by his five children: Robert “Bob” McKay and Christine Padgett of Bourbonnais, Cathy Meltzer of Bradley, Elizabeth (Steve) Statler of St. Anne, and Janine (Gary) Passmore of Princeton; seven grandchildren: Jason, Brent, Devin, Brad, Tara, Collin, and Adam; six great-grandchildren with a seventh on the way; Kensley, Emerson, Erin, Liam, Tanner, and Tammy; one sister, Sandra (Gordon) Brakebill; two brothers, William (Carolyn) Hudson and Phillip (Diane) Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Gene and Jim Hudson, daughter-in-law Linda McKay, and son-in-law Larry Padgett
A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of service at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in St. Anne, IL with Pastor Michael Seed, officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Anne Township Cemetery in St. Anne Township. A reception will be held back at First Presbyterian Church following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be left at www.grantjohnson-fh.com.
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When I think of Uncle Oral, I will always remember his laugh and sense of humor. He had an appreciation for the “finer things” in life – food, music, and craftsmanship. He also excelled at these things and generously shared his gifts with others. I always admired his skill of whittling wood into beautiful animals or flowers. He gave me a little bear key chain that he made at the last reunion, and I will always cherish it. He brought tears to my eyes when he spoke at his brother’s funeral about the comparison of losing a loved one to watching a ship sail off into the horizon. I’m so sorry that we have to say good-bye, but his boat has set sail on a new and beautiful journey. I’m sure there is a fishing pole on board just waiting for him to cast it out.