Weldon "Loyal" Hudson

Weldon Loyal Hudson, loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was greeted by his Savior on January 29, 2026, at the age of 75. He was born on December 22, 1950, in Reno, Nevada, to Clarabelle Lourainne Hansen and Weldon John Hudson.

Weldon was born in the back of an ambulance that was involved in an accident on the border of California and Nevada. Poetically, this would foreshadow the duality of his life: one wrought with trials that would test most men, and a robust life full of joy and gratitude.

He was born with cerebral palsy, a lifelong disability that he never let define him. If anything defined him, it was his middle name, Loyal, which he preferred. His ailment affected his ability to walk, but that never stopped him from pursuing everything he loved: photography, horseback riding, hiking the "Y", swimming, walks on the beach, and marksmanship. He was often seen racing on his crutches or pacing in his wheelchair.

Loyal's family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when he was young, and he remained a faithful member of the church his entire life. Nothing was more valuable to him than his relationship with the Savior, and he often spoke of his faith in Christ as his Rock through his many tribulations.

Loyal was raised in Redmond, Oregon. He spent many childhood years in Shriners Children's Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries to address complications from his palsy. He was even featured in photography for the Easterseals annual fundraiser.

Loyal graduated from Redmond High School in 1970. He was a fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pink Floyd, and Rimsky-Korsakov. An avid learner, he would explore the world through his studies of Russian, Chinese, and history at Treasure Valley Community College, Salt Lake City Community College, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah, as well as through his Middle Eastern Studies at East Central University. The last few years of his life would prove he was an autodidact, as he studied Spanish for 2,000 consecutive days on Duolingo.

While attending Brigham Young University, he met his future bride, Denise Marlene Ham. They were married on August 2, 1982, and sealed in the Jordan River Temple. They would go on to raise five children in the Gospel.

Loyal was an industrious man who worked as a machinist for a gun factory. His work ethic earned him a rapid succession of promotions for his speed and efficiency. After his divorce from Denise in 1994, Loyal made the tough decision to leave work behind and dedicate his full time and attention to his greatest work: a father to his five children.

He moved his family to Tupelo, OK, where he was beloved in his community. Often, his children would come home to find their friends conversing with their father, seeking life advice and a steady father figure. The definition of an extrovert Loyal never met a stranger, and loved chatting up anyone who would spare a moment.

Loyal was an early adopter of technology. He had a personal computer in the early 1990's, the very first high-speed Internet connection in his town, and was obsessed with hydrogen engines, solar panels, and electric cars.

Loyal loved media and, despite his dyslexia, would spend hours listening to audiobooks, even introducing his children to Harry Potter. He loved watching TV and playing video games with his children and grandchildren. His love of film included Star Trek, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones. He loved fostering his children's imaginations. He would spend hours waiting for his children at the Wintersmith pool in Ada, OK. He taught them chess and tried to teach them wilderness survival skills.

At the end of his life, he resurrected his love for gunsmithing and would spend hours at his own press, practicing the craft he loved in his youth.

Loyal is survived by his siblings: Sharon Lauritzen, Yvonne Homer, and Tricia Lister, and his five children: Joshua, Phillip, Abraham, Rachel, and Deena. He is preceded in death by his father, Weldon John Hudson; his mother, Clarabelle "Penny" Louraine Lister; and his grandson, J.W. Hudson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 am in the American Fork 26th ward chapel, 975 North 60 East, American Fork, UT. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 9:00 - 10:45 am prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the American Fork City cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.