Frederick Dale Hudson was born on August 12, 1928 on the family farm west of Caldwell, KS. to Hugh Hudson and Tula Funderburk Hudson. He grew up along the banks of Bluff Creek along with his brother, Howard and sister, Norma. His days were spent working on the farm and walking a mile and a half to school. Fred or also known as Freddie, graduated from Caldwell High School in 1947.
He spent 1952-53 in the army. He was a part of the 35th Combat Engineers, where he spent several months in Germany. After returning home, he worked on the family farm earning a wage from his parents.
On March 23, 1957 Fred married Jaunita Herridge of Bluff City, KS in Caldwell. To this union 3 daughters were born, Vicki, Jacki and Brenda. Fred and Jaunita enjoyed attending area square dances where they were members of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club for several years. They lived on the family farm alongside Bluff Creek raising Hereford cattle, wheat and alfalfa hay. Fred also baled hay for other farmers in the area. In addition, he started working for Alvin Jenista delivering propane and later for The Farmers Coop in Caldwell. In 1990, Fred retired from the coop but continued farming for a few more years.
Fred spent his retirement years building and flying model airplanes. Traveling to various places to visit family, making several trips to Arkansas and Pennsylvania to visit his sister. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing sports. On Friday nights, he liked to go to the football games to watch Travis and Kyler play. You would find him sitting in his pick-up enjoying a hot dog and popcorn from the concession stand.
Fred would start his days having breakfast at the Red Barn. He enjoyed seeing Carol and Jessica and sitting at “the table of knowledge” to learn all the local news and gossip. Mid-morning and afternoon he would go to the One Stop for coffee. His granddaughter, Dawn, said at 10 and 2 that’s where grandpa could be found. His days would end going to happy hour at Last Chance Bar and Grill.
In 2015, Fred had some health problems and moved into Homestead Assisted Living in Wellington, KS. He received wonderful care there from Dana, Sharon and many other lovely ladies. He was known to tease them and give them a hard time. The family appreciates the wonderful care they provided.
Fred passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023 at the home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Jaunita; his parents; brother, Howard Hudson; and sister, Norma Kubik.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicki Hudson of Hutchison, KS, Jacki and husband Bob Cink and Brenda and husband Steve Ward of Caldwell, KS. Four grandchildren; Dawn Stevenson (Trent), Ashley Ward (Gentry Leitner), Jessica Harris (Kolby) and Travis Cink (Brooke Kuehny). Eight great-grandchildren; Kyler Bruey, Kassidy Bruey, Payten Stevenson, Aiden Cink, Addyson Stevenson, Carter Cink, Madison Harris and Reid Stevenson. One great-great-granddaughter, Emerson Bruey; several nieces, nephews; friend Anne Gunderson and many other friends.
Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Caldwell Area Hospital & Health Foundation or to the Caldwell Historical Society and sent in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.
