William Dean Hudson
1951-2016

William Dean Hudson, born September 5, 1951 in Algona, Iowa, crossed over peacefully from lung cancer at the age of sixty-five on Wednesday, December 14, 2016.

He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Kathleen, his mother, Dorris Asa, siblings: Thomas Hudson, Jayne German and Holly Stange. Niece and nephews: Matthew Duncan, Joshua Duncan, Jocelyn Stange and Dayton Stange as well as a great niece and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and friend, Fred R. Hudson.

Bill spent his school years in Omaha, Nebraska. He was active in R.O. T. C. at Benson High School reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This is where Kathy, age fifteen, and Bill, age 16 were introduced by mutual friends. They attended the Military Ball each year and Bill lettered in rifle team his senior year.

They both enjoyed music and Bill would occasionally bring out his guitar and play a tune. He even taught himself to play a twelve string guitar. Kathy enjoyed hearing him play and sing folk songs such as Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary.

He was nominated as sixth alternate candidate for appointment to the United States Military Academy. After high school graduation in 1970, Bill enlisted in the Army serving for three years and was stationed in Germany with time also spent in Vietnam which he rarely discussed. He was Honorably Discharged as SP4 which today is roughly equivalent to corporal.

In 1974, Bill and Kathy married and they began their lives together in the Ozarks. Bill attended College of the Ozarks while also assisting his father, Fred, with getting the Zebulon Pike Excursion boat up and running on Table Rock Lake.

The business ran from 1976-1980 and was the main reason for their move to Branson. Bill received his fifty ton license from the Branson Corps of Engineers and was First Mate to Captain Fred.

Bill graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and a minor in Political Science in 1981. For over thirty years, he worked at various motels in Branson as night auditor.

Bill had many interests over the years. He pursued learning the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do in 1983- reaching the status of Second Degree Black belt after four years of training. He was entrusted by Master Kim, the Branson Satellite School, teaching area students martial arts for several years.

Bill was a quiet, proud man who loved animals. On more than one occasion, he would say he loved animals more than humans especially if he encountered a rude customer at work. Three of these beloved animals were Tosh, Tavi and Mandy which he fondly called his kids.

Mandy was abandoned so Bill brought her home from work and she never left his side. He cherished their sweet kisses and they loved to lie near or ON him when possible. After they passed, he saved their dog dishes, tags and toys. He loved them so much, he requested that their ashes be buried with him. That wish will be fulfilled.

Sugar cookies, plain cake donuts and Cheetos he would eat on a regular basis and never ever gain a pound. He drank three cups of instant coffee every morning and Kathy knew that if she wanted him to remember something she told him, to wait till cup number three.

Whenever he could, he would wear his specially sewn Snuggie. They were footed sleepers that were soft, warm and comfortable.

When one thinks of Bill, you may picture him wearing his black cap, his pocket watch or smoking his pipe smelling the vanilla aroma. Kathy decided to add these items to his casket arrangement. The purple lilacs were his favorite flower and he loved the springtime when the lilac bushes along the driveway bloomed bringing him fond memories of the ones near his childhood home.

Bill had a strong work ethic and took pride in everything he did. He was meticulous in details, had beautiful penmanship and rarely missed a day of work. Due to health reasons, Bill retired less than two months ago and even then, he was hesitant not wanting to cause any hardships on his co-workers.

Daily, Bill would watch new casts and discuss the days events and politics. You could definitely tell he was a Democrat. He enjoyed science fiction movies and history books, particularly of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was one of his favorite historical figures.

Some people may say Bill was old school as he did not have a cell phone or a Kindle but loved to read hard back books and the newspapers. He would cut articles of interest from the newspaper and put them in a marked folder. He was also sentimental saving all the cards and notes Kathy had given him.

In 1999, Bill rekindled a childhood memory and started collecting vintage GI Joe figures. Heaven forbid, you called them dolls and if so, were politely corrected to say, action figures.

Bill and Kathy attended several GI Joe Conventions around the United States turning them into special vacations. Those who had the privilege of viewing his special room that housed his GI Joe collection were surprised as he knew about all the accessories, history behind each figure and displayed them accordingly. It was his request that some of his collection be given or sold to a Toy Museum for others to enjoy.

During the holiday season, Bill enjoyed putting up lights on the house and shrubs. He spent many hours putting up light clips and setting the lights to his satisfaction. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to have driven by the house at one time or another when the lights were turned on. It was his Christmas gift to the neighborhood. Sadly, that was not completed this year due to his illness.

Bill was a devoted husband to Kathy and very protective of her. Whenever she would go somewhere, he would tell her, "Come home to me." Not a day went by that they didn't kiss and tell each other they loved one another. He gave her the pet name, Poo. They were high school sweethearts who remained deeply in love and best friends. It was as if they were destined to be together in this life and the next.

We honor Bill remembering him in our own way. It is said people come into our lives for a reason, season or lifetime. How did Bill come into your life? Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Love Pine Ave, Springfield, MO at 11:00 followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood, Springfield, MO after a brief Honor's Service in the Veterans Chapel at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, 800-B Hwy 248, Branson, MO 65616, Cody Lane Memorial Toy and Diorama Museum, 1003 Oak Road, Suite B, Lilbum, GA 30047 (501 c 3 non profit organization) or charity of choice are appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com