A Visitation service for Joe Hudson, Age 72 of Doniphan, Missouri will be held on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at the Edwards Funeral Home, Doniphan Missouri from Noon-2PM.
Joe Hudson, of Doniphan, MO, hung up his phone for the last time on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 4:42 a.m. He left this world peacefully a week shy of the age of 72, surrounded by family. Born on July 23, 1953, in Doniphan, MO, Joe was a true outdoorsman. If it involved nature, you can bet he’d be there. He could out-fish, out-hunt, and out-talk just about anyone.
Joe graduated from Doniphan High School in 1971 and spent his years doing what he loved- working at a sawmill. He believed in hard work, the simple joys in life, teaching others how to bait a hook and track a trail and appreciating the beauty of God’s great outdoors.
His phone was a thing of legend, with daily check-ins to friends, grandkids, and anyone who would pick up. You could count on him for a good story, some half true (or they should be) hunting tales, and some advice you didn’t ask for but needed anyway.
When he wasn’t in the woods or on one of his many adventures (checking the roads after a snow, going out to eat, or attending his grandchildren’s activities), Joe could be found bragging about his kids and grandkids like a fisherman brags about a record-breaking bass.
He leaves behind his patient and loving wife of 53 years, Jenny (Clayton) Hudson. He also leaves behind his three children, Tonya Davis of West Plains, MO, Travis (Jessica) Hudson of Billings, MO, and Gina (Nick) Smith of West Plains, MO; four grandchildren, Mark Davis, Jon Michael Davis, Khila Smith, and Corbin Smith; and two sisters, Sue (Willie) Beal and Sarah Louise Carmickle.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Hester (Lamberson) Hudson; three brothers, W. C. Moore, L. W. Guthrie (Mary Jean), and Duke Hudson; one sister, Rubie Powell; one sister-in-law, Judy Hudson; and one brother-in-law, Forrest Powell.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to take a kid fishing, tell a good story, or call someone you love- and stay on the phone a little longer than you planned.
