Donald ‘Hudge’ Hudgens

Donald Dale “Hudge” Hudgens, 73, of Jacksonville, died Friday morning, March 31, 2017, at his residence.

He was born on Sept. 13, 1943, in Anna, the son of Glendale and Mildred Halterman Hudgens.

He married Linda “T” Dooley and they enjoyed 18 years together.

He is also survived by three sons, Chad (Megan) Hudgens of Dallas, Texas, and Drue Hudgens of Springfield; two grandchildren, Max and Ava Hudgens and son, and Dale Hudgens of Springfield; seven stepchildren, Cathy Booth of Virginia, David Booth and Chad Booth, both of Jacksonville, Erin (David) Fernandes and step-granddaughter, Madeira, of Clayton, Mo., Philanna (Sean) Force of Jacksonville, Bobby Hudgens of California and Phil McClure of Virginia; and one brother, Glenn Hudgens of Carmel, Calif.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and La Drue.

He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1961. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a plumber through the Pipefitters Union for many years and retired from the Illinois School for the Deaf.

He was a member of Jacksonville Harmony Lodge No. 3, Jacksonville Elks Lodge, the Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Devil Dogs and was a charter member of the Pine Point Campers Club.

A memorial and Masonic service was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A graveside service with military honors was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Memorials are suggested to the West Central Illinois Leathernecks for the Wounded Warrior Project.

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