John Russell "Rusty" Hudelson

John Russell "Rusty" Hudelson passed from this world on Saturday, December 28th in Lubbock, TX at the age of 79 after a battle with leukemia. 

Rusty is survived by his wife: Schahara Winter Hudelson of Levelland, TX; children: daughter Tania and Stuart Moody of Levelland, TX; daughter Darcy Hudelson Lewis of Springfield, MO; Bobby Lewis of Springfield, MO; grandchildren: Sam Moody, Madison and Brent Partain, and Van Lewis; and great-grandchildren: Hallie and Hayes Partain. He is also survived by sister: DeLoyce Patterson of McAlester, OK. He was dearly cherished by his nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many, many friends. 

Rusty was born on May 2, 1945 in Pratte, KS to the late Kenneth Hudelson and Ruby Cole Hudelson. Rusty received a B.A. from Lubbock Christian University and proudly served America in the U.S. Army Reserves. After graduating high school in 1963 and completing his military commitment, Rusty married the love of his life, Schahara, in 1968 in Monterrey, Mexico. Their spontaneous elopement began a lifelong dedication to and abiding love for one another, played out through their myriad moves and travels, musical ambitions, church involvements, educational endeavors, and, most importantly, the building of their beloved family. Theirs was a "Love of the Century."

Rusty was a lover of travel, geography, family history and genealogy, music, sports, sweet treats, and motorcycling. He was a deep thinker and had an impeccable memory for people and the past (though not for where he left his keys or phone). He never met a dog he wouldn't pet. He was a consummate storyteller and engaging conversationalist, and he loved to make people laugh. 

Rusty was an extraordinary musical talent. His remarkable gift was revealed at the early age of 2 when he began singing harmonies with his father and sister on the radio in McAlester, OK. Through his childhood, his incomparable skill for playing piano grew; after honing his talents in bands and solo work in the sixties and seventies, he began playing music with his wife, Schahara, and later his daughter, Tania, among many other musicians and bands, creating music that touched so many. The legacy of his gift lives on in the music he left behind.

 After settling in West Texas, Rusty began his career at South Plains College where he taught piano, voice, and music theory. He retired having influenced many students who went on to their own successes and who considered him a beloved mentor and friend. While his talent was immense, Rusty will be most remembered for the deep love of his family and dear friends and the sweetness of his kind and tender spirit, but also his wry wit and mischievous sense of humor. He was loyal and protective to a fault, and his generosity of spirit was renowned. He would do anything for his family and those he held dear; he was infinitely proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and he lit up when playing with his great-grandchildren in recent years. 

He was the warm fire around which we all gathered. The depth of his absence cannot be measured. There was only one Rusty Hudelson. 

A celebration of his life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 15,2025 at the Tom T. Hall on the South Plains College campus in Levelland, TX. Please join the family in a time of telling stories and listening to the music of this great man. We are asking family and friends to please send in your favorite story or memory about Rusty Hudelson at https://www.online-tribute.com/RustyHudelson or rustyhudelsonmemorial@gmail.com. Your contributions will be included in his celebration of life event. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Joe Arrington Cancer Center and all the anonymous blood donors whose selfless contributions sustained his life past expectations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood, plasma, and/or platelets (www.redcrossblood.org) and sign up to be a bone marrow donor (https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry).

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111