Luther William Hudson, Jr., the son of Luther William, Sr. and Mary Esther (Adams) Hudson, was born May 24, 1931, in Hamburg, Iowa. He attended Watson High School, Watson, Missouri, graduating in 1950. On September 26, 1951, Luther entered the United States Navy, where he served his country during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge on September 9, 1955.

On June 4, 1954, Luther was united in marriage to Virginia Maxine Bradley and they spent their first year of marriage in Honolulu, Hawaii, until he finished his service in the United States Navy. They then moved to Rock Port, Missouri, where they spent most of their married life together and became parents to one daughter, Rhonda. Maxine passed away in July of 2008.

Luther was employed by Burke and Sons Lumber Company, Rock Port, for 11 years. He then started his own business, where he installed flooring and dry wall. In September of 1987, Luther was employed by Atchison County Sheriff’s Department, Rock Port, as a Deputy for several years before being employed by Atchison County Courthouse as a custodian. He retired in 2004.

Luther was a member of the Rock Port Fire Department for 27 years, serving as Fire Chief for the last seven years. He was also a member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, North Star Masonic Lodge #157, both of Rock Port, and Scottish Rite and Moila Shriners, St. Joseph, Missouri. In 2004, Luther and Maxine moved to Rogersville, Missouri, to be closer to their daughter, Rhonda. Luther joined Henderson Masonic Lodge #477 and Scottish Rite Club in Rogersville.

Luther enjoyed trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo in Forsyth, Missouri, and spending time with his family. He passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Copper Rock Village, Rogersville, at the age of 92.

Besides his parents, Luther was preceded in death by wife, Maxine Hudson. Survivors include daughter, Rhonda (Todd) Staples, Burlington Junction, Missouri; granddaughter, Farrah (Jon) Fink, Olathe, Kansas; great-granddaughter, Madelyn June Fink; brother-in-law, Ron (Judy) Bradley; nephews, Rick (Lawna) Bradley and Joey (Amy) Bradley; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, conducted by Rev. Todd Staples. Open visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Friday, April 19, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Rock Port. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.