Donald Hudson

Donald Ray Hudson, a fifty- eight-year resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22nd, 2024. Don is survived by his loving wife, Dortha Mae (Owens) Hudson; his children Timothy Ray Hudson and Janet Kay Hudson Schroeder; his daughter-in-law Rhonda Hudson and son-in-law Sterling M. Schroeder; his beloved granddaughters Madeline and Emma Hudson, and Ellie Hudson Schroeder; his brothers Martin and Jerry Hudson, and his sister-in-law Patricia Hudson. He is predeceased by his mother and father; L.M. (Bud) Hudson and Gladys Hudson; and his sister-in-law Connie Hudson. Don was born in Kerrick, Texas on November 13th, 1940, to Gladys and L.M. ‘Bud’ Hudson. Don grew up on a cattle farm in Oklahoma. He was Bud and Gladys’ first child, and the oldest brother to Martin and Jerry Hudson. Don graduated from Oologah High in 1959. Shortly after his high school graduation, Don enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the Air Force, Don learned business administration and computer programing. After four years of service, the Air Force honorably discharged Don in December of 1966. He proceeded to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended the University of Tulsa. Don graduated with a degree in business administration and computer programming from Tulsa’s Draughon College in 1968. After college, Don was employed at Cities Service Oil Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In 1969, Cities Service moved their headquarters to Tulsa, Oklahoma and eventually became Occidental Oil Company. Don worked for Cities Service/Occidental Oil for more than thirty years, spending the better half of his career at Occidental Oil’s high security Data Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. By 2005, Don was Occidental Oil’s only remaining computer programmer who knew the procedural programming coding language for their worldwide company. Occidental asked Don to remain for his last year as a safeguard while switching their computer systems to a more modern computer code. After a distinguished career, Occidental Oil honored Don with full benefits and an early retirement in the late 2000’s. Don met the love of his life, Dortha Mae Owens, in 1967 at a tent revival hosted by New Harmony Baptist church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Don and Dortha were introduced by Dortha’s uncle, Irvin Lair. Six months later Don and Dortha were married at New Harmony Baptist Church on February 16th, 1968. In December of 1969 they welcomed their first child, Timothy Ray Hudson, and in July of 1972 they welcomed their second child, Janet Kay Hudson. Don and Dortha wanted to keep their family in Bartlesville after Cities Service moved to Tulsa. For more than 28 years Don made the long commute to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In the early 1970’s, Don and Dortha settled in a rural community just outside of Bartlesville, Oklahoma known as Hogshooter USA, named after Hogshooter creek. Their lovely home sets upon three acres where Don prided himself on his favorite hobby of landscaping and gardening. He and Dortha planted beautiful gardens of flowers and seasonal gardens full of fruits and vegetables. Don loved taking care of his lawn, scrubs, flowerbeds, and the woods behind their home with many in the community complementing Don on how beautiful he kept their property. Don was a devoted Baptist and served for more than fifty years in various positions at New Harmony Baptist Church. He helped build the new sanctuary in the late 1970’s, was a Sunday school teacher, a trustee, and a member of the nominating committee. He lovingly volunteered countless hours to the church and especially enjoyed making the Sunday bulletin. Don and Dortha were married for fifty-six wonderful years. Don was a loving father to Tim and Janet, and adored spending time with his three granddaughters, Madeline, Emma, and Ellie. Don lived his life devoted to his wife, family, and the New Harmony Baptist Church community. Don’s service of remembrance will begin with a viewing on Tuesday, November 26th , 2024, at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with his family in attendance. Don’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at 10:00 a.m. Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma is accepting flowers on Don’s behalf. Ray of Hope in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is accepting memorial donations on behalf of Don and his family. Donald Ray Hudson will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, and his church community. He lived his life in service to God. We celebrate his eighty-four-years knowing he had a life he truly cherished and enjoyed. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

Donald Hudson

November 13, 1940 - November 22, 2024