Gary Lee Hudson, Sr.

Gary Lee Hudson, Sr, 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away on March 21, 2026 at his home.

Gary was born November 14, 1934 in Arkansas City, Kansas the son of Kenneth Perle and Goldie May (Sherrod) Hudson. Gary graduated from Jarbalo High School in 1953 where he participated in baseball, basketball and track. Gary remembers his entire graduation class was able to fit in the principal’s car to go to Topeka to buy class rings.

Gary was in the US Army from 1957-60. He was stationed in West Germany and worked on helicopters. Prior to and upon his return from Germany, he assisted his dad on the family farm. Gary then discovered his life long profession of carpentry. Gary was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1445 for over 65 years. He held various officer positions over the years. Gary loved to work with his hands. He also liked to hunt and fish.

Gary married Vonita (Bonnie) Darlyne (Brune) on November 10, 1956 in Leavenworth, KS at their minister’s house. They were married for over 63 years and had five children.

Survivors include his daughters Vicky Welch of Topeka, KS, Cindy Jones (Mel) of Manhattan, KS and Jennifer Oppliger (Chris) of Overland Park, KS; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Hudson of Junction City, KS; 12 grandchildren, Kenneth Hudson, Carol Hudson, Lindsay Hudson, Daun Savage, Shaun Vincent, Kristina Winkler, Melissa Priest, Justin Welch, Amanda Gagnon, Stephanie Fayard, Vivian Oppliger, Beatrice Oppliger; 26 great grandchildren, Kairi, Alexandria, Gabriel, Roman, Kenna, Thadyn, William, Victor, Atlas, Michelle, Michael, Benjamin, Kohl, Lilly, Blaine, Nathan, Natalie, Aidan, Noah, Ava, Autumn, Asher, Rowan, Ella, Josey and Gabriel; and 1 great-great grandchild Oaklynn; his sister-in-law, Margie Brune of Leavenworth, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie and their sons, Gary Hudson, Jr and Benjamin Hudson and sister Linda Jones.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Parker-Price and Davidson Cremation and Funerals, 245 NW Independence, Topeka, Kansas 66608, on Saturday, April 4th with a visitation being held from 2:00–4:00 pm. Gary and Bonnie will be interred together at Sunset Memory Gardens, Leavenworth at a future date.