March 26, 1933 - February 15, 2024

Richard F. Hudson, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Richard was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 26, 1933, to Vivian and Jesse Hudson. Richard enjoyed a blessed life with his beloved wife, Carol of almost 60 years, who preceded him in death. Richard valued and loved his family, always investing in these special relationships, especially in his later years. Richard also had many friends throughout his lifetime and valued his lifelong friendships. He was a 1951 graduate of Will Rogers High School, University of Tulsa, and a loyal supporter of Tulsa Hurricane sports. Richard received his DDS degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1958. Richard was involved at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church until his retirement years when he and Carol joined the Cleora Methodist Church, now Cleora Community Church. He was also a Scout leader for Troop 20 at Boston Avenue for 10 years while his sons, Marc, John, and Joel participated in Scouts. At the early age of 4, Richard's father introduced him to fishing where he developed a lifelong passion for fishing and enjoyed many fishing trips over the years with family and friends, catching his last big bass this past December on an unusually warm December day.

During his high school years at Will Rogers, Richard ran cross-country and track, lettering in both. He was also a trumpet player involved in the Will Rogers Swing Band, receiving the honor of Swing Band leader his senior year. After high school, Richard attended The University of Tulsa on a band scholarship where he joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and developed a lifelong involvement in the fraternity as each of his sons and one grandson joined Kappa Sigma.

Richard met his beloved wife Carol at The University of Tulsa and they married on August 19, 1955, a marriage that lasted 59 years before Carol's passing just months before their 60th wedding anniversary. After college, Richard enrolled in dental school at Washington University in St. Louis where he graduated in 1958 and started a dental practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Richard was a loyal fan of Tulsa University athletics attending most football and basketball games, helping both players and coaches with their dental needs. Upon retirement, Richard and his wife Carol enjoyed life at the lake, where Richard could pursue his passionate hobbies of fishing and gardening.

Richard was always an overcomer in the face of life's adversities, especially during the season of learning to live life on his own after Carol's passing. Richard's life motto was "Enjoy life while here for a very short time". In his last days, Richard recognized God's goodness of letting him live such a full and blessed life all his days. Richard's favorite verse was John 3:16; "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Richard is now home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ enjoying eternal life.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Jesse Hudson, his sister, Marilyn Mermoud and his nephew, Ron Mermoud. Survivors include Cheryl (Michael) Steffen, Marc (Julie) Hudson, John (Debi) Hudson, Joel (Cindy) Hudson. Eight Grandchildren include Jennifer (Steffen) and Brett Contrerras, Ashlee Steffen, and her fiance, Spencer Kirkpatrick, Anna and Joe Hudson, Carrie (Hudson) and J.C. Williams, Emilee, Levi, and Hannah Hudson. Three Great-grandchildren include Caleb and Ava Contreras, Addison Williams. Richard's nephews and nieces include Frank Mermoud, John Capshaw, Jr., Nick Mrasek, Jean (Mermoud) Pickett, Megan (Capshaw) Dugdale, Courtney Capshaw, Allison (Mrasek) Graziani, Elizabeth Mrasek and many extended family members.

Viewing will be 10AM - 8 PM, Friday, March 8, 2024, at Moores Southlawn Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 9, 2024, at 11:00 am in Asbury's Mason Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Cleora Community Church, 451154 E. 295 Road, Cleora, OK 74331.