Kenneth Hudson

Kenneth Martin Hudson, 86, of Jackson, formerly of Gideon, Mo., died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, at Jackson Manor.

Mr. Hudson was born Sept. 1, 1921, in El Dorado, Ark., son of Milam Richard "Dick" and Bernice Simmons Hudson. He married his Gideon High School sweetheart, Frances E. Elam on Feb. 12, 1940, in Cape Girardeau. She died Nov. 17, 1987, at Gideon. Kenneth married Betty Blumenberg Dement on June 16, 1988, in Jackson.

Loving survivors include his wife, Betty; three daughters, Patricia (Rev. Harold) Blackwood of Ripley, Tenn., Marsha (Ira) Stover and Deborah Jorden of Biloxi, Miss.; two stepchildren: Dawn (Dr. Kenneth) Detring of Jackson, James (Donna) Dement of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren, Michael (Shannon) Blackwood, Paula (Tony) Aiken, David (Jennifer) Blackwood, Teri (Scott) Donnan and Trevor Jorden; five stepgrandchildren, Amanda (Brian) Bonfanti, Meredith and Sarah Detring, and Dana and Megan Dement.

In addition, a brother, Dick V. Hudson of Tyler, Texas; 11 great- grandchildren; three nephews and a niece survive him.

Kenneth was a southern gentleman who was a devoted Christian husband, father and grandfather. He had a great talent for playing the organ. He was a brilliant person who could figure out how things work and was frequently fixing machinery. He loved to travel and meet new people.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, having attained the rank of first lieutenant in the 527 Field Artillery Battalion during World War II. He was in the Battle of Po Valley in Italy and, after the war, served as the post commander for the Bernie National Guard.

He briefly taught at Jackson before finishing his degree at University of Missouri. He later taught math and science at Gideon, and was a dedicated employee for Roy Elam and Co. almost 40 years.

Mr. Hudson was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, a 32nd Degree Mason Scottish Rite Mason, Excelsior No. 441 of Jackson, AF & AM, and Kennett Lodge No. 68, AF & AM.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to service time Sunday at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Gideon.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with son-in-law, the Rev. Harold Blackwood, officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett, Mo., with military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Jackson Senior Citizens Center.