Robert Kellogg Hudson

FORT WORTH -- Robert Kellogg Hudson, formerly of Midland, died March 28 at Stonegate Nursing Center. Private memorial services will be held at a future date. Bob Hudson was born March 15, 1922 to Rodney L. and Helen Fox Hudson in Pocahontas, Iowa where he developed skills in fishing and hunting, a strong work ethic and appreciation of the arts. In high school, he played all sports, but it was his musical talent that won state awards in voice and cornet. His beautiful baritone was a delight in family songfests and added fun to many a long car trip. After high school, Bob entered Northwestern University where he prepared for his law career and served as president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy to serve in WWII, but he returned to Northwestern, earned his law degree and met his bride-to-be, Sadie Tillman of Menard, Texas. Bob and Sadie married September 4, 1948 in Menard. They made their first home in Chicago where Bob began his career with the First National Bank of Chicago trust department. Their children Helen Carol and Robert Scott were born in Evanston during that time. In 1958, the family moved to Sadie's native Texas when Bob joined the Midland law firm of Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy and Laughlin. Their daughter, Nancy Clark, was born the next year. In 1974, Bob joined the newly-formed Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe, Morrow and Dawson law firm. There he had many happy years until his retirement. Bob truly loved the Midland community, and was especially proud of its many performing arts venues and Midland College. He served as president of the first Midland Arts Council and on the boards of numerous other civic and community organizations. An early member of the Midland Racquet Club, Bob enjoyed tennis and often organized vacations around family tennis games. He filled his life with all kinds of music from gospel to Big Band, from classical to Dixieland. He also enjoyed entertaining and was at his best on the dance floor. His children still laugh to remember the invitation their parents received asking guests to come for a party that would last "until Bob Hudson goes home". Throughout his years in Texas, Bob valued outdoor life and taught his children how to shoot, camp and appreciate God's creation. In retirement he and Sadie spent much time on their Hamilton County place where he enjoyed all things ranch, friends and family. After Sadie's death in 2011, Bob moved to Fort Worth to be near his three children in Dallas and Fort Worth. He formed new connections in Fort Worth with others whose care and friendship enriched his final years. Great among his pleasures was what he called "lunch with the ladies" from the Women of Rotary luncheon group. He received excellent care at Stonegate Nursing Center where his last days were brightened by attentive aides and nurses, chief among whom was "Emma". Mr. Hudson is survived by his children, Helen Hudson Pierson and her husband Donald of Fort Worth, Robert Scott Hudson and his wife Jimmie, Nancy Hudson Wilson and her husband Steve, of Dallas; his grandchildren Sarah Clark Pierson and Robert Woodrow Hudson, step grandsons Patrick Lee Wilson and Michael Gregory Wilson; his sisters Virginia Hudson Farquhar of Fresno, California and Margaret Hudson Rastetter of Essex, Connecticut and treasured nieces and nephews. Gifts in Mr. Hudson's memory may be made to Midland College, Midland Community Theater, Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra, Museum of the Southwest or a charity of individual choice. Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home and Crematory 702 Eighth Ave., 817-336-0345. View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries