September 8, 1940 – October 1, 2025
Donald E. Hudson, 85, of Bedford, passed away on October 1, 2025, at Indiana University Hospice House in Bloomington.
He was born on September 8, 1940, in Enid, Oklahoma, to the late Joseph and Ethel (Richards) Hudson. Don was truly a lover of life. He never met a stranger, always had a joke to share, and was Rodney Dangerfield’s biggest fan. His humor and warmth made him a friend to everyone who knew him.
As a boy, Don traveled throughout the West with his family, living in Oregon, Oklahoma, and Illinois, before graduating from Centralia High School in 1959. He married Karen Payne in 1960, and together they raised two children. His career began in sales with J.C. Penney, where he worked his way up to assistant manager, taking him to Princeton, Crawfordsville, and finally Bedford, Indiana.
It was Bedford that captured his heart. Wanting to remain in the community he loved, Don left J.C. Penney to work for Citizens National Bank. His love of photography and people soon led him to launch his own business in 1982, beginning with a friend’s wedding. Hudson’s Photography and Hobby Shop grew into a thriving family business, where Don worked alongside his son, Kevin. The business became a Bedford staple, and Kevin continues to carry on his father’s legacy today.
Don was a man of many passions and hobbies. A skilled woodworking craftsman, he created beautiful pieces from fine hardwoods, including jewelry boxes and intricate, radio-controlled mahogany boats. He had a lifelong love for radio-controlled planes, helicopters, and model trains, and he later expanded his photography business to include a hobby shop. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, butterfly and arrowhead collecting, tropical fish, and even spelunking, exploring unmapped caves in Indiana with adventurous curiosity. Above all, he cherished his family and took great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
On July 24, 1982, Don married Martha Goodin Hilderbrand, who passed away before him.
His children survive him, Kevin (Tammy Duncan) Hudson and Kim (Scott) Turner; stepchildren Jennifer (Brian) Daggy and Chad (Andrea) Hilderbrand; grandchildren Keaton (Shelby) Turner, Madison (Griffen) Dahlstrom, Spencer (Meredith) Turner, Lilli Daggy, Bennett Daggy, Grayson Hilderbrand, and Caroline Hilderbrand; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Grace, and Kate Turner; Spencer, Elle, Coco, and Poppy Dahlstrom; and Millie Kate and Annie Turner. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard Hudson, and sister, Frances Reilly.
Preceding him in death were his wife Martha, his parents, his brother Kenneth Hudson, and his sister Alyne Poe.
Don’s presence will be deeply missed, but his love of life, his sense of humor, and the joy he brought to others will live on through his family, friends, and the Bedford community he called home.
Services for Don will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana 47421, with burial to follow at Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Otis Park Golf Course, a place Don loved.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.FergusonLee.com.
