Elden R. Hudson

Elden "Hud" Hudson, 99, of Zanesville, died at 12:17 A.M. on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Morrison House, Zanesville.

He graduated in 1944 from Coshocton High School with honors, where he excelled in football, basketball and golf and was named the outstanding athlete in his class.

On August 22, 1944 Elden enlisted in the US Navy Air Corp where he served as a radio radar operator on a twin engine patrol bomber. Shortly upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Carole M. Reamer on August 25, 1946.

Following Elden's navy service, he was employed by the Ohio Power Company for 43 years where he held various management positions in Dennison, Minerva, Bucyrus and Zanesville. In that time span he served four annual terms on the AEP Board of Directors and served as President of the AEP State Veterans Association.

Elden was involved in many volunteer activities in communities where he and his family lived. He served in leadership positions and received numerous recognitions and awards. Elden’s volunteering included, but was certainly not limited to, spearheading the formation of the Chamber of Commerce of Muskingum County Industrial Growth Committee, serving as first chairperson. In 2014 he received the Cole-Thomas Lifetime service award from the United Way. As an active volunteer, Elden also served over 40 years with the American Cancer Society, at which he spent 15 years on the State Board of Trustees. He received the highest National Volunteer award from the American Cancer Society, the St, George Award, for his outstanding contribution to the elimination of cancer. He also received the Hiram Heck Service Award in 1987 for his work with Bethesda Hospital of Zanesville. In 1989 he was the recipient of the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award for his service to the Zanesville Black Heritage Foundation. As a staunch supporter of education for our young people he served on levy and bond issue committees for the Zanesville City School system receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award in 2004-2005-2007.

Elden was a member of Rotary International with over 65 years of perfect attendance. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 1990 and 2013. In 1965 Elden was also a US representative to play in the Rotary International Golf Championship at St. Andrews, Scotland where he finished in 6th place.

For over 45 years, Elden was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Zanesville. Prior to his wife Carole’s death, they sang together in the choir for the entirety of their 65 years of marriage. He also served on many church committees and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.

Elden is survived by his three grandchildren, Megan (Ben) Snyder, Brooke (Hunter) Hudson and J.R. (Tracy) Pritchard; five step grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and special nephew, Richard (Cathy) Hudson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Nellie (Tish) Hudson of Coshocton, eight siblings, his wife of 65 years Carole (Reamer) Hudson, and children Deborah Pritchard of Dresden, OH, Daniel Hudson of Athens, OH and Drew Hudson of Columbus, OH.

Friends and family may call from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church, 516 Shinnick Street, Zanesville, Ohio, with one hour prior to funeral services starting at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 with Pastor Karen Montgomery officiating. Elden will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Carole, at South Lawn Cemetery in Coshocton.

The family wants to thank the staff at Primrose, Genesis Hospital, and the Morrison House for their loving care of Elden.

All arrangements were entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 516 Shinnick Street Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or to the Rotary Club of Zanesville, P.O. Box 177, Zanesville, Ohio 43702.

To send a note of condolence, sympathy card or comfort food to the Hudson family: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com