Born July 17, 1943 to Vernon Sr. and Mary Louis Hudson, Skipper joined his big Sister, RuthAnn at home in Joplin, Missouri. Later came little Brother, Dennis Lee, and finally baby Sister, Deborah Louise, to complete the Hudson family. Vernon and Mary Louise would be so happy that their children have remained close over the years.
Dr. Hudson’s auspicious career in education spanned 35 years. After graduating from Joplin Jr. College, he received his Master’s Degree at Pittsburg State University.
A lifelong history buff, it was his pleasure and honor in his early career to teach history to students at Shawnee Mission East High School in Overland Park, Kansas. He then attended The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and received his doctorate in 1969. Dr. Hudson joined the faculty at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia as Associate Professor in the teaching of education. While at GSW, Dr. Hudson proudly served on a committee with former President, Jimmy Carter.
Dr. Hudson returned to Joplin, Missouri in 1974 where he began his thirty-year employment with the Joplin R8 School District as Assistant Principal at Parkwood High School (his alma mater, graduate 1961).
Later he served as Principal of Parkwood High School, Principal of Memorial High School and when the two schools merged, he was Principal of Joplin High School. He then went on to serve as Joplin R8’s Superintendent for many years until his retirement in 2002.
It was so important to him that each R8 employee, (teacher, paraprofessional, janitor, cafeteria worker, bus driver, secretary, administrator, groundskeeper, etc) knew that they played an integral part in the education and safety of our kids. There are many professional and academic achievements Dr. Hudson accomplished over the years, but he lived privately and with such dignity and grace that it would embarrass him if we listed them. We were so proud of him as a family and to Skipper, that was the only notoriety he treasured.
As an avid antique collector he would often be asked, what do you do for a living? And his answer:“I’m a junk dealer.”
For 59 years and until the final moments of his life, one person remained by his side, his beloved and beautiful wife, Jeanette Louise Hudson. He adored her and she championed him. Together they raised two loving daughters, Monica and Andrea. Skipper and Jeanette created a unique bond with their girls, their grandchildren and now their great grandchildren. He would tell you, that his wife and family (and his St. Louis Cardinals) were the greatest joys of his life.
Surviving and devoted family: Wife, Jeanette (Horn) Hudson, Daughter and Son-in Law, Monica (Hudson) Olivarez and Alex, Daughter and Son-in-law, Andrea (Hudson) Fields and Ryan, Grandchildren, Hudson Langford, Truman Olivarez (Megan), Queen Isabella Goodwin, London Goodwin, Great Grandchildren, Boston and Marcie Olivarez. Sister, RuthAnn Bruffey (Hudson), Brother and Sister-in-Law, Dennis and Vickie Hudson, Sister and Brother-in-law, Debbe (Hudson) Jones and Gary, Nieces and Nephews, Rhonda (Randall) Camerer and Todd, Roanna (Randall) Dowell and Steve, Missy Bracker, Kristi (Randall) Duringer and Josh, Ryan and Tedra Hudson, April (Jones) Heath and Ashley, Corey Jones, Jeffrey, Christopher, Victoria, Elizabeth and Stephanie Jackson and Allison and Scottie Rosenberg. Cousins, Steve and Elizabeth Gleason.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his Grandparents and his beloved Grandmother, Myrtle (Hudson) Turk.
We’re not sure how to live in a world without Skipper because he was our leader, our confidante, our advisor, our sage, our most brilliant light and our North Star. He was our husband, father, brother, Pops, Papa, uncle and friend. He cared so deeply about each of us that we wonder if we will ever be known as well again. So we walk ahead with all your lessons tucked in our pockets, your dry sense of humor keeping us humble and your encouraging voice telling us, “You can do this. You’re gonna be ok. I promise.” To glorious reunions ahead.
Visitation is Saturday, December 21st from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome at the home of Skipper and Jeanette in Joplin, Missouri.
I have many good memories of Dr. Hudson. I like to think that we became friends over the time I attended Parkwood High School. I remember stopping by his office just to say "Hello!" or just to chat. I still think of him often, as well as his brother Dennis (my Art teacher). Peace and warmth to the family and friends. I know he was loved and will be missed.
ReplyDeleteRIP to Dr. Vernon Hudson. He had an amazing professional career. One small correction or his obit. Parkwood High School did not exist in 1961. I graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1961, the same as Dr. Hudson. We were the first class to complete three full years at the new building on 20th Street. I don't recall knowing Dr. Hudson as a classmate, but he clearly was an educated family man with much to be proud of during his lifetime.
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