Harold Duane Hudson

Harold (or Buddy as he was known by friends and family) was born in Wellington, Texas, on June 4, 1936. He was the middle of three sons born to Jessie and C.A. Hudson. Buddy was a Panhandle Texas boy through and through. His family lived in several Panhandle towns as Buddy was growing up. He graduated from Dumas High School in 1954. While at Dumas High, Buddy’s fondest memories were playing on the basketball team. He was voted Basketball King and was on the team that went to the state playoffs in 1953 (unfortunately the Dumas Demons were defeated in the final round).

Buddy attended the University of Texas from 1954 to 1959 and received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. It was in Austin that Buddy met the love of his life, Sharon Cook Hudson. She was a nursing student at the nearby Brackenridge Hospital School of Nursing. They met at Harris Memorial Baptist Church and were wed on September 19, 1959.

After leaving the University of Texas, Buddy joined the United States Army. He served as a reservist from 1960 – 1990. In 1990 he was called up to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and served at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in July of 1991. He achieved the rank of Colonel during his time in the Army. Buddy was proud to serve his country both as a reserve and on active duty.

Buddy received his Master of Science of Pharmacy from the University of Houston in 1967. While he never cheered on the Cougar football team, he was a big basketball fan, and the family enjoyed many games in Hofheinz Pavilion. Buddy also occasionally taught Pharmacology classes at U of H.

Most of Buddy’s working life was spent at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in the Department of Pharmacy. He was the Assistant Chief of Pharmacy for many years and helped the department implement many cost and time saving innovations. He was well respected, and his colleagues called him “Heavy Duty Hudson” based on his initials and strong leadership.

Buddy was a long-time member of West University Baptist Church, the same church where he and his bride, Sharon, were married. He loved the Lord, his family, country, alma mater (Hook ‘em), traveling and golf, though not always in that order based on how the Longhorns were playing.

Buddy was preceded in death by his father C.A. (Alvis) Hudson; his mother Jessie Harrison Hudson; his brothers Jack and Gerald Hudson; his sisters-in-law Michal Cook, Elfriede Hudson and Janetta Hudson; his niece Shelly Hudson Collier; and his nephew Keith Baker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sharon Cook Hudson; his daughter Kathleen Yarborough (Steve); his sister-in-law Donna Hudson; his brother-in-law David Cook (Kitty); his nephews Thomas Hudson, Jeffrey Hudson (Angie) and Kris Baker; his niece Meredith Cook Gonzalez (Victor); ten great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff of the VA Medical Center who treated Buddy well for many years, both as an employee and as a Veteran. They would also like to thank the staff at Brookdale West University, Belmont Village West University, and the caregivers of Home Instead, especially his long-time caregiver Christine, who is a bright spot in everyone’s day.

An internment service will be held at the Houston National Cemetery on November 29, 2023, at 1:45 p.m. Those wishing to participate in the ceremony can join the cortege at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, at 1:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to West University Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry (6218 Auden, Houston, TX, 77005) or the charity of your choice.