Franklin Flynn Hudson, age 90, of Vidor, TX, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He was born in Pawhuska, OK, on December 18, 1934, to Frank Marion Hudson and Florabelle Bugh.
Gifted with a remarkable memory and a sharp sense for finances, Frank was known not just for his intellect, but for his generous heart and his affection for everyone he met. After serving honorably in the United States Navy, fate led him to the love of his life, Myrt. He would often joke that he “bought her at a garage sale for a quarter,” but those who knew them saw in her his soulmate. Myrt invested her heart and her money in Frank. He was a uniquely sensitive steward of his finances, but Myrt did not mind. Their relationship, cemented in 1957 through a love story that endured more than six decades, blossomed into a beautiful family of three children and cherished memories. A self-taught musician and beloved song leader, music came naturally to him. He expressed his devotion to his faith through music, faithful attendance to his church, and reading his Bible many times over. Many of his happiest moments were spent winding down country back roads on the way to camp meetings and singings, always seeking the longer path that left room for storytelling and discovery. He was the kind of man who remembered birthdays, not with grand gestures, but with handwritten messages and often a dollar tucked into a card, or, during leaner times, a penny. He had an unforgettable charm, equal parts wit and warmth. He was affectionately known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, all of whom learned how to “pop their cheeks” just like he did. Among his last spoken words were for Myrt, saying of her as she left his bedside briefly, “I just saw the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” a final tribute to a lifelong romance. Frank Hudson’s life was an example, a tale of devotion, stewardship, humor, and grace. Though his natural life is over, he reached the destination of his soul, and he will be missed by those he loved until the day that they will see him again.
Left to honor his memory is his beloved wife of 68 years, Myrtlene “Myrt” Hudson; children, Robin Ray Hudson and wife, Melinda, Jeffrey Jay Hudson and wife, Mary Anne, and Sheilah Gaye Cole; brother, Rick Hudson and wife, Carol; sisters, Sue Herriage, Phyllis Millikin and husband, R.J., Joyce Crawford and husband, Gene, Ruth Blake and husband, Monte, and Trish Phillips and husband, Bob; grandchildren, Alicia Biegalski and husband, Toney, Joel Cole and fiancée, Cheyanna Steele, Noah Cole and wife, Caitlin, Britta Gonzales and husband, Chase, Brennan Hudson, Christian Tyler Hudson and wife, Debbie, and Taylor Reneé Riordan and husband, Christian; great-grandchildren, Stasi, Kelbi, Teddy, Orrin, Carson, Lillie, Hudson, Rhett, Trenton, Grayson, Hynslee, Ridge, Brehn’Leigh, and River; sister in law, Diane Hudson; as well as many other family members, loved ones, and friends.
Reunited with Franklin in passing are his parents; brothers, Marion Ellis “Pete” Hudson and Tom Hudson; sisters, Gail Kendle and Beverly Cole; and grandson, Jeffrey Hudson.