Benjamin C. Hudson

Benjamin Curtis Hudson, 95 passed away on April 2, 2015 in Bellingham, WA.

Mr. Hudson lived in Decatur prior to joining the Navy in 1937. He was in several Pacific battles, including Guadalcanal. He spent 7 years in the Navy. After discharge, he returned to Decatur and worked for the Wabash Railroad until enlisting in the Air Force. He spent 13 years in the Air Force which rounded out a 20 year military career, retiring in 1964.

While in the Navy he married Virginia Hudson from Taylorville in 1944. They had 2 sons, John and James. Virginia passed away in 1971.

After Virginia's passing, Ben returned to Decatur. Having been a longtime devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints he became active in the local ward. He held several positions with the Church, including Bishop. He married Audrey Winchester in 1972, who was also a devoted member of the Church. They worked together as a team until her passing in 1983.

Ben moved to Montgomery, AL to be closer to his son John. He remained active with the Church where he met Ruth Nielsen. They were eventually married and served four missions with the Church to include Nigeria, Guyana and two missions at the Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. As their health began to fail, they moved to Washington State to be closer to Ruth's daughter. Ruth passed away in October 2014.

Survivors include: His 2 sons; 3 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; He is also survived by Ruth's 3 daughters; 1 son; 24 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren. 1 grandson preceded him in death.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:30 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home in Taylorville is in charge of arrangements.