Leonard Henry “Shorty” Hudson, 88, of Perryville, passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 1, 2026.
He was born Dec. 23, 1937, in St. Mary to Frank and Beatrice Hudson. Leonard retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2000. He was a member of Whitewater Christian Church and a charter member of the Eagles Club in Perryville.
Known for his great sense of humor, Leonard enjoyed reading westerns, playing cards, and spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his former wife, La Donna Weber; one sister, Ethel Schumer; and his children: Terry, Larry (Debbie), Steve (Donna), Kenny, David (Melanie), Gail, Tina, Deborah, and Brandi.
Leonard was blessed with 29 grandchildren—Alexandria, Abigail, Jamie, Katie, Roxie, Maggie, Billy, Josh, Mindy, Tiffany, Tara, Stephanie, Kyle, Brandon, Tory, David, Kyla, Heather, Allen, Christal, Nathan, Angela, Laura, David, Autumn, Austin, Mika, Kylee, and Allison—along with 52 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He had a big heart for his family, extended family, and friends, and will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Hattie, Sylvia, Iva, Dorothy, and Thelma; and brothers Francis, Rollin, Lawrence, and Bernard.
Leonard’s body has been cremated, and his ashes will be placed in a monument at Whitewater Christian Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Whitewater Christian Cemetery in lieu of flowers. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Perryville. All are welcome.
