He was born December 23rd, 1947, in North Canton, Ohio, to parents James R. Hudnell and Alice Mae Hudnell (nee Roth), who preceded him in death.
Tom lovingly adored his wife, Margie Hudnell (nee Kokal), to whom he was married over 38 years. He was a proud father of his son Scott Hudnell (Michelle Hudnell), and a doting “Gramps” to his granddaughters Hannah and Abigail Hudnell.
He is also survived by his sister Sheryl Legg (Ryan & Ali Legg), step-mother Joyce Hudnell, and step-brothers Lance Hudnell (Sandy, Carter, Colin) and Eric Hudnell (Jen, Katie, Nate), and numerous other in-laws and relatives. Tom also considered himself to be a father to Champ and Cheer Pihakaendr, exchange students from Thailand, and several others whom he mentored/cared for over the years!
Tom graduated from Hoover High School, in North Canton, OH, and Malone College in Canton, OH, before obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Kent State University in 1968. Tom served in the United Stated Air Force, before continuing his service as a civilian employee at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where he worked as a Price Analyst. In total, Tom served his country for over 37 years.
Tom loved music, mostly rock and roll, and enjoyed going to concerts, including seeing Bruce Springsteen 9 times! He had a very extensive record collection, which he recently donated to a local radio station. He also enjoyed live theatre, frequenting both Wright State’s Theatre and the Shuster Center. Additionally, Tom participated regularly in activities at the Beavercreek Senior Center, continuing his dedicated work-out routine.
Tom had a lifelong love of playing baseball and tennis, which he translated into over 20 seasons of coaching and involvement in local youth sports. He was active in the Big Brother Association in both Canton and Dayton Ohio. He served the local little league teams as “The Voice Of Fairborn,” announcing games for many years, before coaching his son and other children in T-ball, baseball, soccer, and basketball with the Beavercreek Youth Sports programs. Additionally, Tom coached with Springboro’s Miracle League baseball teams.
Tom’s love for cheering on others encompassed more than sports. For over 20 years, he worked one-on-one with Fairborn elementary students needing extra help with reading. Tom, along with his wife Margie, also created a “Book Club” at Heartland of Beavercreek, and would weekly read books to the residents. Tom was also a judge for the Dayton Cerebral Palsy Games, where he met his dear friend Donna Davis. He also volunteered with the local First Lego League.
After retirement, Tom continued his life-long passion of volunteering in his community. He spent nearly every Tuesday for 10 years assisting in the laundry room at St. Vincent de Paul, and also oversaw food and clothing donations for St. Vincent’s from his church, Queen of Apostles Community, where he attended and volunteered for over 40 years.
Additionally, he delighted in cooking meals to share with others at Interfaith Hospitality Network in Xenia OH, where he also acted as an overnight host. He enjoyed spending time with the residents and especially their children.
Tom and Margie’s volunteer work was recently recognized by the Arch Diocese of Cincinnati and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur with the 2019 Sister Dorothy Stang Award. Tom also assisted Margie in volunteering with the Isha Foundation for the past 20 years.
There will be a Celebration of Life Mass at Queen of Apostles Community Church, QAC Chapel, on Saturday February 1st, at 11:00am, 4400 Shakertown Rd, Beavercreek OH 45430. This will be followed by a reception at the QAC Si-Lounge, where plenty of Tom’s beloved rock and roll music will be played. Additionally, Tom’s family would love to see everyone wearing blue, Tom’s favorite color, instead of somber black.
Tom felt helping others was both an essential part of life and a privilege. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to some of his favorite charities, in his memory and honor. These include St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.Stjude.org/donate) and Isha Foundation’s Cauvery Calling Campaign (https://www.ishaoutreach.org/en/cauvery-calling).
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