Kenneth Martin Hudson, 86, of Jackson, Mo.; formerly of Gideon, Mo., died Jan. 3, 2008 at Jackson Manor.

Born Sept. 1, 1921 in Eldorado, Ark., son of Milam Richard (Dick) and Bernice Simmons Hudson, he enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1942, having attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the 527 Field Artillery Battalion during WWII. He was in the Battle of Po Valley in Italy and after the war served as the post commander for the Bernie National Guard. He received his degree at University of Missouri, taught math and science at Gideon, and was a dedicated employee for Roy Elam and Co. for almost 40 years. He was also a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, a 32nd Degree Mason Scottish Rite Mason, Excelsior No. 441 of Jackson, A.F. & A.M., and Kennett Lodge No. 68, A.F. & A.M.

On Feb. 12, 1940 at Cape Girardeau, Mo., he married Frances E. Elam who preceded him in death on Nov. 17, 1987 at Gideon, MO. On June 16, 1988, he married Betty Dement, who survives the home.

Other survivors include three daughters, Patricia Blackwood and husband, Rev. Harold, of Ripley, Tenn.; Marsha Stover and husband, Ira, and Deborah Jorden, both of Biloxi, Miss.; two stepchildren, Dawn Detring and husband ,Dr. Kenneth, of Jackson, and James Dement and wife, Donna of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren, Michael Blackwood and wife Shannon, Paula Aiken and husband, Tony, David Blackwood and wife, Jennifer, Teri Donnan and husband, Scott, and Trevor Jorden; and five step- grandchildren, Amanda Bonfanti and husband ,Brian, Meredith and Sarah Detring, and Dana and Megan Dement; one brother, Dick V. Hudson of Tyler, Texas,; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., today, Sunday, Jan. 6, at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Gideon.

Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., at the Bradshaw Chapel with son-in-law Rev. Harold Blackwood, officiating.

Burial will follow at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett, Mo., with military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Jackson Senior Citizens Center.