Rev. Howard L. Hudson, Jr.

Reverend Howard Lawson Hudson, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 8th at 3:27 pm.
 

Howard was born in the small town of Galion, Louisana, located in Morehouse parish on February 28, 1927.  He was the first born son of Howard Lawson Hudson, Sr and Loreta Harrison Hudson.  He grew up with his brother Norwood Thomas Hudson, and sister Dorothy Eunice Hudson, as the children of hard working parents, who served their small community as respected store owner and post-mistress.  When Howard’s father and mother died in 1950 and 1952 respectively, he took a special interest in staying close to his siblings.  These relationships were strong throughout their lives. 
 

Although too young to sign himself up, Howard convinced his reluctant mother to give her permission to sign up for the United States Navy during World War II.  He honorably served four years in the Navy, much of his time on the USS Chincoteague.  Letters home portrayed a young man who embraced the world and stayed positive in spite of the uncertain times.
Following his service to our country, Howard attended Northeast Junior College, now University of Louisiana Monroe.  In 1947, at the encouragement of Reverend Jim Wilson, he became the first president of the Methodist Wesley Foundation for this college campus. 
 

As a competitive sportsman, Howard earned the nickname “Fighting Parson” during his collegiate days.  In AAU competition, Howard was crowned Northeast Louisiana Champion.  After winning the North Louisiana Golden Gloves tournament at Shreveport, he competed in the Southern Golden Gloves tournament in New Orleans, finally losing a heartbreaker in the finals.

Howard worked in the oil fields and an occasional ranch to self-fund his academic and seminary studies at Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport where he earned a degree.  In 1952 he was admitted to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and earned a degree in theology.
Beginning his ministry at a young age, Howard’s God given love of people and positive nature was inspirational.  In 1955, he founded the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette, which thrives still today.   He faithfully served a number of churches within the Louisiana United Methodist Conference including; Start, Golden Meadow, Grand Isle, Oakdale, Woodlawn, Grayson, Harrisburg, and Sicily Island.
 

In 1958 Howard married Shirley Mae Doucet of Kaplan, Louisiana.  They became a beautiful family, raising four children; Timothy, Rachel, Gwendolyn, and Rebecca.  Shirley passed away in September of 1993.
 

Howard married the lovely Laverne Cox in 1996 and they had a wonderful 24 years together.
 

Howard was led to preach all of his life.  At the age of 90, he was believed to be the oldest Minister still preaching in the state of Louisiana, and maybe in the United States.  Howard was a Master Mason and believed every day is a celebration of life.  No matter where he went, he never met a stranger.
 

After living a full and rewarding life, he is now at peace.  Howard’s gentle spirit and demeanor were a positive influence on many lives.  He lived larger than life and those around him, knew they were loved, as he reflected his love through Christ Jesus.  Howard is survived by a legacy of family, friends, and love. 
 

He is preceded in death by his parents; Howard and Loreta Hudson; sister, Sharon Hudson; late wife, Shirley Mae Doucet Hudson; and step-son, Kenny Cox. 
 

Howard is survived by his wife, Laverne Cox Hudson; brother, Norward Thomas Hudson and wife Pat; sister, Dorothy Jordan and husband Jim; double first cousin, Doug Hudson and wife Marilyn.
 

Howard’s children include: Howard Timothy Hudson and wife Angela, Rachel Dawn Conques and husband David, Gwendolyn Lemmons Warner and husband Chris, Rebecca Renee Hudson, step-son Raymond Cox, step-daughter Valarie J. Cox, and step-son Scott D. Cox.  Grandchildren include: Clayton Hunter Lemmons, Lance Colton Lemmons, Howard Christopher Hudson, and step-grandchildren Steve Smith and Nick Cox Chin. Also known as grandchildren are Beau and Cullen Sturgis, and Landon and Olivia Clark.  Great-Grandson Harrison Clayton Lemmons. 

He is also survived and loved by numerous nieces and nephews.