The Celebration of Life services of Mr. Richard W. Hudkins will be live-streamed at 11:00 AM EST Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Log on to Facebook and search for JD Good to view the services.

Mr. Richard W. Hudkins, 98 years, 4 months and 5 days departed this life on the afternoon of December 23, 2023, with his loving family at his side.

On August 18, 1925, near Kewanna, Richard was the first born of the Hudkins kids.  His proud parents were William Judson and Mildred Iris Brooker Hudkins.  Growing up he shared his childhood with five brothers and a sister.   In 1943 he graduated from Leiters Ford High School.

Patriotism beckoned and Richard answered the call, in January of 1944 he entered the United States Army Air Corp during World War II.  As a member of the 508th Bomber Group he flew over 30 missions during World War II as a waist gunner on the B-17 flying fortress.  The gunner protected the aircraft and was in a challenging and very dangerous position.  Additionally, their crew was charged with flying POW's back to France.  He was involved with the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign   Staff Sgt. Richard W. Hudkins returned home following an honorable discharge on February 15, 1946. Some of his decorations included: Victory Medal World War II, American Theater Ribbon,  EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with 1 Bronze Cluster.

On November 20, 1948, Richard married Lillian L. Mahler in Mishawaka.  They enjoyed 52 years of life's adventures. Sadly, she passed away on August 7, 2001.

Returning home, with a strong work ethic Richard worked at Studebaker in South Bend as a machinist.  Years later he transitioned to hauling milk for Ward Polley and Dean's Foods. During most of his adult life he farmed and retiring at age 81.

On October 18, 2015, Richard was a member of the Lafayette Veteran's Honors Flight accompanied by guardian little brother Virgil.  He maintained a close relationship with many of his platoon members and attended nearly all of the 351st Bomb Group  (H) Association of the Army Air Corps Reunions.

As an adventurer and an American outdoorsman, Richard enjoyed annual hunting trips with the Hudkins' brothers.  They hunted pheasant and other game birds in Nebraska.  Many times, the nephews went too.  To relax, Richard loved to travel.  He wintered in Port St. Lucie, Florida for many years.  He also once took a driving vacation to explore Alaska by first visiting California.

Left to treasure Richard's memory are his daughter Jane Schuldberg of Newport, NC; brother Virgil Hudkins (Sue) of Rochester; companion Jean Simpson of Rochester and her daughters Judy Swank and Priscilla Ballee; 4 grandchildren: Rebecca Peterman, Jeremy Hudkins, Jennifer Lovick, Jeffrey Kerley; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Welcoming Richard to Heaven was many of his immediate family including beloved wife Lillian on August 7, 2001;  his sons James E. "Jim" Hudkins January 10, 2022, Richard "Dick" Hudkins on February 5, 1996; parents William and Mildred Hudkins; a sister Mary Ellen Hudkins George; and 4 Hudkins brothers: Don, George, Jerry and John P.

A celebration of the life of Mr. Richard W. Hudkins will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.  Reverand Gretchen Schneider will officiate services.  Friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and an hour prior to his services on Thursday.  Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery.  The United States Army Honor's Team and the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard will accord military graveside rites.  Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. 1540 Wentzel Street, Rochester, IN  46975.