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MASTER SERGEANT CARL E. HUDSON, 84, died peacefully at his home in North Little Rock, Arkansas on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Freda, and three children: Carl E. Hudson Jr., Colby L. Randolph (Peter), and Carol L. Mason (Tom).  He also leaves behind five precious grandchildren: Jeffrey, David, and Jillian; Alice and James and 1 great grandchild: Eliana.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Natalie Hudson from Ipswich, Massachusetts; his siblings: Richard (Dick) Hudson from Arizona and Judith Hudson Beaulieu from Massachusetts. His youngest brother, Philip Hudson, currently resides in New Hampshire.  Also, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Arthur and Maude Leslie from Nova Scotia, Canada and his Grandmother Alice Reading from Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts on Friday, October 8, 1937, Carl was raised by his grandparents until his teenage years. He then moved back with his parents and siblings to Ipswich, Massachusetts until he graduated from Ipswich High School in 1955. Carl married his teenage sweetheart, Freda F. Hudson of Newbury, Massachusetts on August 16, 1957 at the Ipswich Methodist Church.

Along with his family, Carl's greatest achievement was 23 years of devoted service with distinction in the United States Air Force. Until the day he died, Carl was a true patriot who was lovingly devoted to protect both his country and family's freedoms. He voluntarily enlisted on March 1, 1957. He began his first eight years working in Maintenance at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where his mechanical abilities, strong work ethic, discipline and perseverance to do the job right, quickly gained the trust of the Flight Crews. He was selected to attend Flight Engineer School where he qualified to fly in four different air crafts, including the Hercules C-130. He was then transferred to Goose Bay Labrador Military Base where he was stationed in Air Rescue and Recovery. His crew was trained as "spotters" for recovery of NASA's space capsules upon re-entry, as well as other air craft and ships in distress. Sgt. Hudson received orders to fly to Sewart A.F.B. in Smyrna, Tennessee for a particular mission without his family and then, returned for a second time with his family (1965-1969) with orders to train both Air Force and Navy personnel to be flight engineers. He also trained foreign students.

Carl is a distinguished veteran of the Vietnam War (1969-1971). He was a flight engineer. He rotated back and forth between the Philippine Islands and Vietnam for three years flying top secret missions that were extremely dangerous.

He earned several commendation medals for his dedication and bravery:

The Distinguished Flying Cross

Six Air Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters for Meritorious Achievement while in Aerial Flight

Numerous Certificates of Achievement and Proficiency

Numerous Certificates for Airman, Mechanical and Specialist Training

The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in the Republic of China and Kadena, Japan.

While stationed at Forbes A.F.B. in Topeka, Kansas (1971-1973), he was in a Support Squadron where he flew multiple rotations to many different countries.

Due to health issues brought on by the effects of Agent Orange, he completed his distinguished career as a First Sergeant in the 16th Tactical Airlift Training Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas on September 30, 1979. The First Sergeant advises the commander on a wide range of topics including health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, wellbeing, career progression, professional development, and recognition of all assigned enlisted members.

Master Sergeant Hudson was a Lifetime Member of the Disabled American Veterans, The Veterans of Foreign Wars and a Lifetime Member of The Distinguished Flying Cross Society (Ira C. Eaker Chapter).

Carl never met a stranger. He could spot a fellow veteran across a crowded room and within minutes know the man's military history. He was just as friendly with civilians.

While still serving his country overseas and stateside, Carl was well known for his talented singing voice. He sang in base chapels of all denominations and in 1974 was hand selected by the "Spotlighters", a military singing ensemble at the Little Rock A.F.B., until they disbanded in 1986. He also volunteered his tenor voice to perform with other civilian gospel singing groups.

Following his military service, he worked at the Disabled American Veteran Outreach Program, the Arkansas State Hospital, Social Services, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Rebsamen Medical Center and the Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Mr. Hudson continued his studies by attending both National Park College and Park University.  In 1984, he completed all required courses earning a Bachelor Degree of Science in Social Psychology.

Carl was an active member of the Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. He sang in the church choir and briefly taught the 6th grade Sunday school class.

Carl owned "Hudson Hobbies", describing it as "a place to work on my own cars and regain my sanity. Visitors welcome." He incorporated his natural mechanical skills into repairing and restoring a variety of roadworthy vehicles with a passion for antique cars.  He served as the Vice President, President and Historian of the Natural State Ford V8s Club of America. He owned several antique beauties dating back to 1934.  In 2011, Carl's 1950 flathead V8 Ford was used during the making of an independent film entitled, "The Last Ride", which featured the story of Country Music legend, Hank Williams Sr.  The movie was filmed in central Arkansas.  Carl also enjoyed his large collection of diecast cars and trucks.

Freda's last promise to Carl was to carry him to the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in his little "chrome yellow" (the color like the yellow strip in the road) 1934-35 flat-head Ford V8 pickup truck.

Carl (Dad - Gramps) will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will take place at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, January 28.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm., Friday, January 28 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

With much appreciation, the Hudson Family is grateful for the Patriot Guard Riders accompanying our Loved One in today's funeral procession.

GRATITUDE FROM THE HUDSON FAMILY

With heartfelt appreciation, we thank all of you who have extended expressions of love toward us through your genuine support, generous gifts, and acts of kindness, texts, cards, and phone calls.  We have also been comforted knowing that you have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We deeply appreciate your presence here during this home going celebration to remember, give honor, salute, and to give tribute to our precious Loved One.

The Hudson Family Gives Special Thanks to:

Bob Davis

Bill Kehler

Steven

Fred and Patricia Reinier

The Patriot Guard Riders

Nurse Dorothy

Doctor Paul Valentin-Stone

Family ask to please give a financial gift to your favorite charity. Thank you.