Bert Wilson Hudson

Dr. Bert Wilson Hudson of San Angelo, Texas passed away at approximately 4:30 pm on October 2, 2018 at St David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. Dr. Hudson was 85 years old and in his last days he was surrounded by his family.

Bert W. Hudson was born in Cannelton, West Virginia on August 6, 1933, the son of a coal mine foreman and loving mother. As a child, Bert developed a love of the outdoors, music and learning, interests that he continued and developed thorough out his life. With the support and encouragement of his parents, Bert proved to be a good student and excelled in school, graduating from East Bank High School sixth in his class of 306.

Immediately after high school, in 1952, Bert joined the United States Air Force in pursuit of education and with the intent to become a career military officer. He rose through the enlisted ranks quickly and by 1956, he achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. While stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base, he met and married Doris Evelyn Sanders of San Angelo, Texas on October 29, 1954.

In Fall of 1957 he entered Officer Candidate School in San Antonio, Texas. With hard work, intelligence and the support of his wife and growing family, in spring of 1958 Doris had the honor of pinning a set of gold bars of a Second Lieutenant on Bert's collar.

During his military career of over twenty years, Bert was stationed at bases around the US and overseas, including a tour of South Vietnam in 1968 and 69. His postings overseas included Okinawa and Germany, which allowed the Hudsons the opportunities to visit Japan, Hong Kong, Austria, Germany, Holland, France and Spain as well as Texas, California, South Carolina, Wyoming and Missouri.

He rose to the rank of Major and was awarded multiple citations and medals, including: the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Ribbon with four battle stars, the Bronze Star, the South Vietnam Medal of Honor, the Missile Crew Member badge, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and a U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

Prior to his retirement from the Air Force in 1972, Bert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts degree from Ball State University. He continued his education after his first retirement, while working full time as a clinical psychologist and counselor, earning a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the Union Institute and University.

After the Air Force, Bert and Doris bought and restored a post Civil War Era mansion in the country in North Central Missouri where the children all finished their primary educations and Bert practiced as a clinical psychologist in nearby towns. In 1983 Bert and Doris moved to Moberly, Missouri where Dr. Hudson owned and operated the Counseling and Evaluation Center until his 2nd retirement in 1994.

Moving back Doris's hometown of San Angelo, Bert spend many happy hours playing music, researching and writing family history, volunteering with the Lions Club, and organizing charity fund-raising events. Bert loved to play music, both solo and in several different groups. He played many instruments well but was proficient on the mandolin, guitar and pedal steel guitar. His wide musical tastes included classical, flamenco, standards, blues, country gospel and bluegrass. He enjoyed sharing his musical talents and often played in nursing homes, community centers and in bluegrass festivals.

Bert was a prolific writer. His works included books, articles, stories and essays. One of his favorite was a story from his West Virginia youth titled “Respecting Miss Skaggs”, which was published in the Fall 2008 issue of Goldenseal Magazine.

Dr. Hudson is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Doris Hudson; his children David Hudson, Thomas Hudson, Scott Hudson, Sandra Kottman and Pamala Gessling. He is also survived by 2 of his 8 siblings; Robert Hudson and Mrs. Katy Pauley. He leaves 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and innumerable friends and colleagues. He was proceeded in death by his oldest daughter, Susan Hudson. He will be greatly missed by all.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 5, 2018 in Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, 3355 W. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX, followed by a reception at the church. Interment will be at a later time in Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, Tx.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, 3355 W. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX for the music program.