Joe Hudson, 75, formerly of St. Marys, died at 9 a.m. Aug. 27, 2013, at Shawnee Manor, Lima.

He was born Aug. 31, 1937, to Fay "Slim" and Corinne Hudson. He married Shirley Rieger Hudson, deceased, with whom he shared two children, JoAnn (Ron) Kortemeyer, Rapid City, S.D., and Libby (Hudson) Pickering, Lima; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He later married Deborah Weeks Hudson, deceased, with whom he shared a son, Joey Hudson, Los Angeles, Calif., and two grandchildren. He also considered his three stepchildren as his own, Jamie (Leigh Anne) Smith, Jayson (Regina) Smith and Julie (Rich) Russell, and six stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Ann Spray, and a brother, John Hudson.

He was a 1955 graduate of Memorial High School, St. Marys, and served in the United States Army from 1955-1957. He was a very hard working man and often held many jobs at the same time. He worked for McKirnan Brothers Inc., Celina, and was the co-owner of BJ's Drive-Thru in St. Marys. He later worked for a magazine merchandizing company in Indianapolis for many years until he retired in November 2012. He enjoyed coffee, cigarettes, chocolate ice cream, having the sun on his head and watching TV, westerns and NCIS were among his favorites.

He did not wish for a traditional viewing or service, and a small, private gathering was held by family and close friends at noon Friday. His ashes will be laid to rest with his late wife, Deborah Hudson, in Indianapolis.

Condolences may be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.