Douglas MacArthur Hudson was born April 7, 1942, and called home on October 11, 2023. He is survived by Terry (Janet) Hudson, son; John James Hudson, brother; and grandchildren, Valerie (Brandon) Welch, Rachel Hudson, Ryan Hudson; and many great grandchildren. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence M. (“Bounce”) and Lila Mae Hudson; his wife, Nettie May (Bushong) Hudson; his son, Gerry D. Hudson; and his sister, Oma June Hudson Markle.

To Mr. Douglass MacArthur Hudson, our dad, grandpa, brother, and friend: 

We are heartbroken. Longing for one more story, one more song, one more joke… one more afternoon fishing with you. 

But today we are doing our best to do what you taught us so well; looking past our pain, our loss, and choosing gratitude for where you are. 

October 11th was surely the gladdest of mornings when you got to finally fly away, and we couldn’t be happier for you. 

We would love to hear this story… what did you do the moment you arrived?

Did you find your sweet Nettie sitting with a pole waiting for you?

Or was she at the craft table expecting your help with another wild creation?

With her, you never knew.

Did the two of you cruise the golden streets in a ‘53 Chevy?

Did you fry up a catfish dinner?

We imagine it wasn’t long before you got to work in your heavenly garden. Man, what we would give to have one more of those tomatoes. 

Speaking of work, did you finally shake hands with the countless prisoners you lead to find God? 

Did you reach down to calm the storms for an anxious young sailor?

Or did you pull up a chair and start telling stories about Jude, Jovi, Anna, and Archer?

We’re overwhelmed thinking of the moment you finally wrapped your arms around your sweet mamma Lila, your strong dad, Bounce, your beautiful sister June, and your precious son Gerry once again.  

Our memories of you are clear as diamonds. Still, we can’t quite seem to do your stories justice.

Twenty years as a Navy Radioman. Twenty-one more as a federal prison Correctional Officer. Three journeys across all seven seas, experiences on every continent, conversations with Italian mobsters, surviving the fury of tropical storms, tornadoes, and so much loss. 

How could we ever recount the memories as well as you did?

Your duty took us to both coasts and every corner of our nation. Kansas to California, Alaska to Rhode Island, Virginia Beach to the heart of the Ozarks. What an incredible life.

For all the adventure that flowed so effortlessly through you, you were equally wise, calm, and comforting. Through the storms back home, you were our harbor, our refuge, and our safety. For us grandkids, you were peace. You were comfort. You were home. 

We will think of you every time we see a Blue Bass Pro hat.

We will hear your laughter echoing the dinner table.

We will see your reflection in the corner of every cove.

We will remember your songs every time we hear the pluck of a mandolin.

We will feel your high fives after the crack of a St. Louis Cardinal’s bat. 

We’ll do our best to sing like you did.  

We’ll do our best to always look for fun.

But we’ll never be able to do it without wishing you were here.

Thank you for being our anchor through so many seasons.

Thank you for forty-one years of loyal service to our country.

Thank you for a lifetime of giving everything you had to us, your family.

With love forever,

Your son and daughter-in-law, Terry & Janet Hudson,

Your brother Jim Hudson,

Your grandchildren Valerie and Brandon Welch and great grandchildren, Jude, Jovi, Anna and Archer Welch,

Your grandchildren, Rachel Hudson and Ryan Hudson

A visitation for Douglas MacArthur Hudson will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 11:00-12:00, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Following the visitation, a burial service will be held at 1:00 pm at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Douglas will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his dutiful and stellar service to our nation.