Ricky Ludwig

WOODSON, Ill. — Ricky Gene Ludwig, 53, of Woodson passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1969, in Maryville, Missouri, the son of Larry and Charlotte Ludwig of Woodson. He was recently diagnosed with colon and liver cancer.

Rick received his bachelor's degree from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, and also attended University of Illinois-Springfield, where he participated in the Mr. UIS pageant two years in a row and was first runner-up one year and Mr. Congeniality the next. He "stole the show" with his talent entry the first year as he dressed up and danced to the song "Man, I Feel Like a Woman!"

Rick graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1987, and was very active in sports, having participated in baseball, football and golf. In baseball, he was nicknamed "Lud the Stud!" He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Rick was a member of Murrayville United Methodist Church. He never knew a stranger, always spoke and handed out compliments to everyone. He was very proud of his sister, Lori, and enjoyed the time she spent with him in his final days. Rod Fernandes was his Dallas Cowboys "bud." He simply adored his two nieces, Alexis and Ashlyn, and they could do no wrong. He welcomed their boyfriends, Adam Way and Donnie Stice, into the family circle. He called his special 95-year-old Grandma Hahs every day and smiled the whole time he talked to her. He told everyone he loved them!

Rick is survived by his parents; a sister, Lori Eddings (Rod Fernandes) of Jacksonville, Illinois; and two nieces, Alexis Eddings of Woodson and Ashlyn Eddings of Winchester, Illinois. In addition, he is survived by his grandmother, Betty Hahs of Daisy; aunt, Sharon Bogenpohl of Oak Ridge; uncle and aunt, Darrell and Janet Hahs of Friedheim; aunt, Loeta Hahs of Oak Ridge; and aunt, Carolyn Ludwig of Jackson. Rick is also survived by several cousins, all of whom live in the Southeast Missouri area.

He was preceded in death by his Grandpa Hahs, Grandpa and Grandma Ludwig, four uncles and one aunt.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery.

The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Murrayville United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.