Doris Evelyn Hudson

Doris Evelyn Hudson of San Angelo, Texas passed away in the early morning hours of November 1, 2018 at the home of her son, Thomas Hudson in McAllen, Texas. Mrs. Hudson was 88 years old and in her last days she was surrounded by her family.

Doris Hudson was born Doris Evelyn Sanders in Rockdale, Texas on September 21, 1930, the daughter of a farmer, Harvey Clarence Sanders and a loving mother, Ruby Jones. Doris was the second of 10 children, with 6 sisters and 3 brothers. She attended Eola High School where she enjoyed home economics in particular, played volleyball and graduated in 1948.

After high school, Doris lived in San Angelo, Texas where Doris held a number of jobs including: clerk at the Cactus Hotel; receptionist and debt collector for a local loan office; and a photographer's glamour model.

In 1954, Doris met a young sergeant in the US Air Force, Bert Wilson Hudson of Cannelton, WV. The two were married in San Angelo, Texas on October 29th, 1955. The young family lived in San Angelo until the Fall of 1957 when they moved to San Antonio while Bert attended Officer Candidate School. While caring for their home and growing family, Doris excelled at becoming a military officer's wife, supporting Bert's educational efforts. In Spring of 1958, Doris had the honor of pinning the gold bars of a Second Lieutenant on Bert's collar. Bert frequently credited Doris for a great deal of his success in the military, his college degrees and his civilian career.

Bert's military career took the family around the United States and twice to overseas postings in Okinawa and Germany. The Hudsons moved an average of every 3 years, and Doris made sure that the family got to experience the history and culture of each state and country they visited, as well as making every house into a warm, supportive home for Bert, their 6 children and multiple pets.

Doris also helped Bert to earn a Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees, assisting him in doing research and typing his many papers late into the night after the children were put to bed.

After Bert retired from the Air Force in 1972, the family moved to a post-Civil War Era mansion in the country in North Central Missouri, which they restored. After all of the children had graduated from high school and left home, Bert and Doris moved to Moberly, Missouri until Bert's 2nd retirement in 1994. At that time, Doris and Bert moved back to Doris's hometown of San Angelo, Texas.

Throughout her life, Doris was an active church member and made sure her children had a strong foundation in Christian living. Her faith gave her comfort and strength through the many trials in her life.

Doris was a voracious reader and mastered many card and board games. She held Master ranking in the card game Bridge. She was an avid golf player, and enjoyed bowling, even scoring a 300 point perfect game. Doris loved traveling and visiting with family and friends all over the country. Doris will also be remembered as a great teller of stories, excellent chef and homemaker.

Mrs. Hudson is survived by her children: David Lee Hudson of Van Nuys, California; Thomas Wilson Hudson of McAllen, Texas; Scott Victor Hudson of Round Rock, Texas, Sandra Joyce Kottman of Excello, Missouri, and Pamela Celeste Gessling of Azle, Texas. She is also survived by one sister, Judy Tabor of Early, Texas, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Bert W. Hudson and their oldest daughter, Susan Lynn Hudson.

A visitation will be held from 10 am-12 pm, Saturday, November 3rd at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo with the interment to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

If desired, memorial donations can be made in the name of Doris E. Hudson to the COPD Foundation at https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx