HUGH EUGENE HUDGENS (1907-1997)

HUGH EUGENE HUDGENS (HUGH-5,ZACHARIAH4, JOHN THOMAS3, JAMES2, JAMES1) b. 13 Sep 1907, Marion Williamson Co.IL; d. 29 Jan 1997, Marion, Williamson, IL;

Married LILLIAN GWENDOLYN EBERHARDT, 17 Jan 1946, Yuma AZ; b. 27 Jul 1915, McCracklin Co.KY

No Issue

Queen Mother Lillian E. Hudgens, age 96, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 8:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at the home of her friend and caregiver, Karen Buffington of West Frankfort, IL.
She was born on Sunday, June 27, 1915, in Paducah, KY the daughter of Jack C. and Rosa (Burton) Eberhardt.
Lillian was united in marriage to Eugene Hudgens on January 17, 1946, in Yuma, AZ and together they shared 51 years of marriage until his death on January 29, 1997.
Lillian attended school in Herrin and was a graduate of Herrin High School in 1933.
Her working career was as a stenographer in the personnel department and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL. After 23 ½ years of service with the university she retired in 1984.
She was a member of the First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ of Marion.
Some of her other memberships include being a life member of the Marion Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and member of the Marion Business and Professional Women’s Club.
She also enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader always eager to learn new things and a loyal supporter of the Humane Society.
She is survived by her aunt, Nada Yates of Culver City, CA; cousin, Dick Crompton of Las Vegas, NV with whom she was raised; nephew, Gary Capodanno and his wife, Lori of Scottsboro, AL; cousin, John Copeland and his wife, Carol of Marion, IL; special friends, Karen and Earl Buffington of West Frankfort, IL, Kay Harper of Johnston City, IL, all her friends of the John A. Logan Swim Class and her many devoted friends.
Lillian was especially fond of her devoted physician, Dr. Sarah Malone of West Frankfort, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home.
Special recorded musical selections presented during the service were “Stardust” by Nat King Cole, “We’ll Meet Again” by The Ink Spots, “Getting to Know You” by Nancy Wilson, “Memories of You” by The Ink Spots and “ Teddy Bear Song” by Melody Dawn.
The service began with a welcome by Karen Buffington, and Pastor Bill Rucker presented comments and opening prayer.
Comments of memory were presented by Elva Anderson, Patsi Maxwell, Nicole Rossi, Chris Georgantas and Gary Capodanno. Closing comments were then presented by Karen Buffington along with a song “To Know You, Is to Love You” presented by a singing Teddy Bear accompanied by Karen Buffington.
Pastor Bill Rucker then presented the closing prayer and a welcome for everyone to stay for refreshments.
The recorded postlude musical selections presented were “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra featuring vocals by Frank Sinatra and “After You’re Gone” by Benny Goodman.
During the time of refreshments the CD “The Gift” by Phyllis Williams accompanied by Dennis Rich was presented.
After refreshments at the funeral home the immediate family took Lillian’s ashes and spread them at the farm, located in Union County, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions were made to either “The Jackson County Humane Society” or “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home, or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.