Tex Hudson

TEX (WOODROW WILSON) HUDSON Woodrow Wilson Hudson (Tex) was born on July 19, 1919 in Ninnekah, Oklahoma, Indian Territory. His birthing place was a storm cellar. Woodrow's family moved to Madera, California when he was two years old. Woodrow started his work life at age 13 when he rode the rails from California to Texas where he lived with his Grandmother. He supported himself from that time to the day he passed from earth on January 30, 2011 at the age of 91. At twenty years of age, Tex served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC California) as a cook and learned building skills. He first used those skills to build his mother a house in Madera, California. Tex has been a master carpenter for over 60 years. He could build, remodel, and/or repair anything. Tex was one of the few survivors of active WWII combat service including participating in the Normandy invasion as a member of the 749th Tank Battalion. He was awarded a Purple Heart on December 2, 1944. Other campaign medals were awarded for American Defense Service, Good Conduct, Northern France Normandy/Rhineland Central Europe Service and European/African Eastern Service. Radio communication and mess sergeant were some of his duties. Tex was on board a troop ship in the Harbor where the Japanese surrendered. Woodrow was honorably discharged from the Army on September 26, 1945. Janet E. Money and Tex were married on November 20, 1970 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The couple traveled throughout the Western states building and remodeling stores for Montgomery Ward, including the store in Durango, Colorado. They retired in 1985 settling in Madera California where he actively worked on numerous building and remodeling projects. In 2007 they moved with their son, Duncan to Colorado. Woodrow was a Life Member of I.O.O.F. Odfellows Lodge 327, Madera, serving as Noble Grand two different terms. Janet and Tex were very active with the Lodge and were well known for the excellent breakfasts they setup and prepared for hundreds of people over 22 years. Tex was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 5231, Mancos, Colorado where he served as a Trustee. Surviving Tex are his wife of 40 years, Janet of Cortez, Colorado; his son, Woodrow Wayne Hudson and wife, Brownwood of Texas; four stepsons, David, Douglas, Duncan, and Dorian Oveson; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Al Hudson of Madera, California and nieces and nephews scattered in the Western states. Preceeding him in death were his parents; his brother Roy Hudson; his son, Lloyd Hudson; and his grandson, Duane Oveson. At his request, there are no services scheduled at this time. Burial will be with military honors graveside at Crestview Memorial Gardens on Florida Mesa, Durango at a date to be determined. Please refer to Ertel Funeral Home for further details. Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Montezuma, contact Queenie Barz, 565-4400.