Raymond Justin Hudak

Ray Hudak, 75, of Steelville, MO, passed away on October 01, 2023. He was born December 4, 1947 in St Louis, MO. He is the son of Frank Hudak who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by many loving pets, especially Nebus, his black German shepherd.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jackie Moore, his two daughters, Monica Hudak (Mike Smith) of Stratford, ON and Casey Hudak of St Louis, MO, his step children Christine (Tad) Barnett of St Charles, MO and Mark (Beth) Hallowell of Dallas, TX and his grandson James Barnett. He is also survived by his step mother JoAnn Hudak of Collinsville, IL and his siblings, Jeanne (Will) Whatley of Athens, GA, Michael (Ann) Golightly of West Dundee, IL and Beth (Kurt Baker) Golightly of Ataskadero, CA. As well as his nieces and nephew.

Ray lived a full and successful life despite the odds against him as a child. He was raised in an orphanage until the age of 10 when he was lovingly adopted by his father Frank. He later spent time in the army and when he was discharged he hitchhiked across the country in true 70’s fashion. After his adventurous young adulthood, he settled down and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He then spent his career working for the USDA as a soil conservationist.

Ray was a true lover of nature and an early environmentalist. In the 80’s he would fill his trunk with recyclables to drive them to a recycling facility almost an hour away. Due to this it was fitting that upon his retirement he moved to 30 wooded acres in Steelville, MO with his wife Jackie. There they built their dream home. He filled his sunroom with plants and always made sure to feed the birds, so that he could enjoy them outside his windows. The hummingbirds especially loved to visit. Ray was an avid aquarium enthusiast. Always having a tank in his home and even trying his hand at saltwater aquariums. On this beautiful property, Talking Tree Acres, is where he happily spent the rest of his days.

In honor of Ray please take a moment to be in nature or donate to your favorite local animal welfare organization or your favorite local environmental cause.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Hudak family.