Alva Vernon "Bud" Hudgens passed from this life June 29, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following successful repair of a hip fracture but complications caused by Parkinson's Disease. He was born in McDonald County, Missouri, on July 22, 1936, to Earnest and Gracie Hudgens.
From an early age, Bud helped support a large family by working in the fields and small businesses of rural communities. After graduating from Anderson High School in Missouri, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1954-1957 as an intelligence specialist, with a tour of duty in Northern Japan monitoring military activity in Soviet Russia during the Cold War. Following military service, he sought higher education, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tulsa. While working for major energy sector companies, Bud also took graduate courses at Lamar University and attained a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
Bud particularly enjoyed vacationing by car travel, taking family trips across the Western United States. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Tulsa's "Circuit Riders," organizing and leading bicycle rides in the Tulsa area and participating in several cross-Oklahoma rides with family and friends. His family fondly remembers his creative puzzle solving and unorthodox card game strategies. His instincts for all things mechanical were evidenced in his tireless efforts to maintain the family's homes, cars and tools. When he was no longer able to work on projects himself, Bud continued to be a resource for good advice and troubleshooting tips. In retirement, he also enjoyed researching the family's history and genealogy.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bertha Walker, Mildred Booth, Lula Mae Boyd, Joyce Carter; and brother Rex. Surviving family includes his sister Naydean Mock and brother Lester; his wife of 57 years, Beverly Taylor Hudgens; son Bryan, his wife Aundrea and daughters Emily and Elizabeth of Monterey, California; and son Bradley, his wife Kaori and daughter Eri of Dallas, Texas.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, at 12:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at a later date in Anderson, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma, 720 West Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 109, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116. 405-810-0695. www.parkinsonoklahoma.com .

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.