Jack Reynolds Hudkins

Jack Reynolds Hudkins died peacefully June 28, 2011 with his wife and son at his side in the home where he lived since December 2005. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Hudkins, and brother, Virgil Hudkins. Jack was born in Campbell, Missouri on August 7, 1920 to Lea and Amelia (Becherer) Hudkins. He shared the Huckleberry Finn type exploring and youthful adventures growing up along the Mississippi river. He spoke of learning to swim in the pool at the old Sunny Lane Resort in Branson along Lake Taneycomo where the new high rise hotels are today. It was a very slow, peaceful way of life then. The depression taught him to be a good steward with his blessings. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, was captain of the Tiger Tennis Team and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering just in time for the WW II years. He married Hallie Faye Smith, his wife of 68 years, and was employed by Phillips Petroleum for his life-long career. His work began in Kansas City, MO and later spent time in Borger, TX; Old Ocean (Sweeny), TX; Okmulgee, OK; the country of Norway, retired in Bartlesville then moved to Tulsa where they were close to family. Jack was a devout Christian and established a scholarship fund for students attending Oklahoma Christian University. He was a member of the Broken Arrow Church of Christ and used the scriptures as a guide for life, influencing others to do the same. He led congregational singing as a younger man and taught many Bible classes. Jack sponsored several to Christian colleges, supported orphanages and helped send a missionary to China. He was an avid golfer, played bridge, enjoyed landscaping, and traveled the world with his wife and friends. He is survived by his wife, Hallie; two daughters, LaZelle Bradley and husband, Joe; Mary Gardner and husband, Jeff; three sons Keith, Doug and wife, Linda; Bob and wife, Merle; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A viewing is scheduled at the Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st St, Tulsa, OK Friday, July 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service in celebration of his Christian life will be at 10:00 am Saturday morning July 2, 2011 at the Church of Christ, 505 East Kenosha, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 and telephone 918.258.9602 with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to the Hudkins Oklahoma Christian University Scholarship Fund to the attention of Bob Rowley, Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136, Children’s Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450, or Hope Harbor Children’s Home, 15025 E 380 Road, Claremore, OK 74017. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel

Jack Reynolds Hudkins

August 7, 1920 - June 28, 2011