Jerry Hudson dies, ex-IndyCar team member

Hudson

Jerry E. Hudson, "The Old Man," beloved dad, 77, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. He was a resident of Franklin, IN. He was born March 20, 1931, to Albert and Mary Lois Hudson (Beaver). He married Bonnie Rae Nutter in 1954. She passed in 1993. He had been a resident of Franklin since 1960.

He is survived by one daughter, Jeri Dayle Fox; one son, Jerry Gene Hudson; three granddaughters, Melissa Fox-Butler, married to Michael Butler, Angela Fox-Dannehold, married to Byran Dannehhold, and Raina Fox-Hester, married to James Hester; and six great-grandchildren, Hunter and Saylor Butler, McKenna, Ireland Isabella and Ellie Kate Dannehold and Ethan W. Hester.

Mr. Hudson served in the U.S. Army, achieving rank of E6, sergeant first class. He was a Korean War veteran who landed at Inchon Bay under John Eisenhower's command. He was wounded twice and was a prisoner of war in North Korea.

He moved to Franklin in 1960 as a recruiter. He was in the trucking business from 1963 to 1981 and managed Johncock/Brayton Redi Mix in Coldwater, Mich., for three years. He returned to Franklin and finished his career at IMI Concrete.

His passion and work was Champ Car/IndyCar racing for many years. That work was highlighted by being a crew member on Gordon Johncock's 1982 Indianapolis 500-winning team.

During his racing career, he worked with and befriended such notables as Gordy, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Jim McGee, Pat Patrick and everyone whom he met at a race track.

Everyone who knew "The Old Man" loved him for his gruff and tell-it-like-it-is personality. He would do anything for you.

He was a member of the Franklin Elks BPOE 1818 and American Legion Post 205. He was most loved by his family and will be missed.

A memorial is being planned for late May or early June. Details will follow. His son can be contacted at hudsonjerryg@netzero.net.

Any contributions should be made in his name to the Elks Cancer Fund, c/o Franklin Elks Club BPOE 1818, 25 N. Water St., Franklin, IN 46131.

Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin, IN is handling arrangements.