Daniel Leroy Hudgins

Daniel Leroy Hudgins passed away on December 22, 2025. He was born on May 31, 1928, in Meshack, Oklahoma, to Samuel and Sarah (Daniels) Hudgins. He grew up in the Oklahoma City area and graduated from Midwest City High School.

On October 1, 1948, Daniel married the love of his life, Emma Ellen Hudgins. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, hard work, and helping others.

Daniel was employed by OG&E for 40 years, retiring in 1987. Following his retirement, he devoted himself to caring for his mother until her passing in 1989. A man who never sat still, Daniel enjoyed staying busy with projects of all kinds. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and boating, and was always working on something with his hands. He took great pride in making pens on his lathe and building or crafting items for others, generously sharing his skills and time.

After retiring, Daniel and Emma joined a motor home club, where Daniel served as president of the local chapter for several years. He was known for his willingness to help family and friends at a moment’s notice—whether it involved projects, emergencies, auto maintenance, welding, or construction. In his later years, he found joy in gardening.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 67 years, Emma Ellen Hudgins; his oldest son, Donald Lee Hudgins; daughters-in-law, Debbie and Diane; his brother, Benny Jay Hudgins; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Deila Hudgins and Ralph Kimmel, and Maudie Hudgins and Ray Holliday.

He is survived by his sons, Phil Hudgins and Daniel Hudgins and wife Lou; his grandsons, Matthew Hudgins and David Hudgins; his granddaughter, Katheren Hudgins; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, at Bill Merritt Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Bethany, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Daniel will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—a man whose generosity, skill, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on all who knew him.