John B. Hudson

John Buford Hudson,75, passed from this life on September 22, 2023. He was born on August 5, 1948, in Springfield, IL, the son of John S. And Verna B. Hudson. As a child, he was referred to as Jonnie Boy. He was smart, sensitive, observant and understanding, traits that continued throughout his life.

A graduate of Springfield High School class of 1966, he attended Louisiana State University and served in the United States Military during the Vietnam War era. He then joined the Operating Engineers Local #965 in Springfield, where he was employed his entire career, succeeding his father as Business Agent and Financial Secretary before retiring.

John was an excellent cook and constantly upgraded his skills. He was quite knowledgeable about music and those who performed it. He enjoyed entertaining others, resulting in a life of great food, fabulous music and many friends and admirers. He and his close friend, John Trees built a very large, quite unusual BBQ cooker on a trailer, which led to Two Drunks in the Dark Catering in the 1980s. It was most entertaining.

While he could be cantankerous, John loved and respected people. He never knew a stranger and always made everyone feel welcome. John also loved reading numerous newspapers from multiple regions, and he strived to complete every crossword puzzle he could get his hands on. He was an avid and dedicated St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and spent many days and nights listening to the games on the radio.

John is survived by daughters Emily Hudson, grandson Paul Hudson, both of Longmont, CO and Lauren Appenzeller, grandsons Felix Forney and Huxley Appenzeller, granddaughter Aurora Appenzeller, all of Springfield; sister Kay King and brother-in law, Richard King, nephews Isaac King and Micah King all of Springfield and niece Kim King, of St Paul, MN; Sister Jan Neal of Phoenix, AZ nephews Jon Cruickshank and Joshua Cruickshank of Phoenix, AZ, nieces Jenelle Gamboa of Phoenix, AZ, and Kayla Neal of St. Louis, MO along with so many more family and friends nearby and across the country.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Verna Hudson, and son-in-law Kenneth Kuta-Dankwa. Cremation will be provided by Bisch Cremation Tribute Center.

John was a kind, generous, unique and amazing person who was primarily governed by his own standards and by his nature, he made everyone in his presence feel at ease. All who knew him were fortunate with the experience. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.

Per his request, in lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration and Remembrance of his Life will be held on Oct. 13, 2023, from 4-7pm at his home.