Funeral services for Retired MSG Donald Joe Hudson, 73, of Killeen will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024, 12:00 noon at the Christian House of Prayer in Copperas Cove, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Hudson passed away September 13, 2024, in Harker Heights, TX.

Donald Joe Hudson was born to his parents Robert Hudson and Ira Carter on September 21, 1950, in Akron, Ohio. Donald attended the area schools. He later would join the United States Army Reserve for a time. Shortly thereafter he decided to join the regular Army, and his tours would be an adventure. He realized he needed a Savior and received Jesus at an early age. With his military career before him and Jesus beside him success was inevitable.

Donald was stationed in various locations while serving, Pirmasens, Germany, Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, Ft. Knox, Kentucky. His overseas tours included Bosnia and Iraq. The most rewarding tour of all would be Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where he met his lovely wife Judith for life. Their love story was unlike no other. They fell in love and their courtship lasted over a year. They married on November 12, 1982, in Conway, South Carolina.

Master Sergeant Donald Hudson primary skill was 91W5M Health Care Specialist. He received the Bronze Star Medal//Meritorious Service Medal (3rdAward)//Army Commendation Medal (5th Award)//Army Achievement Medal (6thAward)//Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal//Global War on Terrorism Service Medal//Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award)//National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award). The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal//Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3//Army Service Ribbon//Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award)//NATO Medal//Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar//Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar//First Sergeants course. Master Sergeant Hudson received numerous other awards and citations during his tenure in the military. After 24 years of exemplary, faithful and loyal service to his country he was honorably discharged.

Donald & Judith joined the Christian House of Prayer Ministry October 22, 1998. He served with the Ushers and Reach Out and Touch Ministry Auxiliaries. Donald lived a life of service to others. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2013 and served well. He attended Sonship School of the First born and graduated class of 2013. Later he registered his gift as a licensed minister of the gospel with Covenant Connections International (CCI) August 16, 2018.

After retiring for the military he was employed by Copperas Cove school district, as a special education teacher in the local schools. He also taught at colleges. This servant leader went about doing good daily. His heart for children was to teach young minds that education was a key to a better future. He was also employed with the Department of the Army Civil Service which lasted till his death.

He walked humbly among us embodying a spirit of gratitude and profound respect for the divine tapestry of creation. This man of God's life was a testament to the virtues of compassion and charity.

His gentle demeanor and unwavering integrity were a beacon of light to all who had the privilege of crossing his path. He nurtured the soil of this world with kindness, and in doing so, cultivated a garden of love that will continue to flourish in the hearts of his family, friends and community.

So now as this chapter of life has ended, we believe he is resting in the arms of his Savior. Donald leaves to rejoice in his memory: wife of 41 years Judith; two children Donald Jr. of Ellenwood, GA, Dionne (Ramon) of Copperas Cove, TX Three grandchildren Donnavin, (Ellenwood, GA) Maddison and Teighlor (Copperas Cove, TX).

His memory is cherished by: brother Kenneth and sister, Maxine both of Akron, Ohio four sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Richmond, VA), Mabel (Yorktown, VA), Daisy (Jetersville, VA), Joyce, twin-sister (Charlotte, NC), one brother-in-law, William Jr. (Richmond, VA (Deborah) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in heaven by father, Robert Hudson, Sr. Mother, Ira Hudson, and two brothers: Cecil and Robert Jr.