MICHAEL HUDNUT

Michael K. Hudnut (Mike), 81 of LaGrange, Missouri and formerly of Williamstown, Missouri passed away tragically of Covid-19 on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. He died peacefully with his family.

Born on February 10, 1939 at LaHarpe, Illinois, Mike had a wonderful adventurous childhood raised by his loving parents, Glen William and Bernice (McClain) Hudnut in Colusa, Illinois.

He married Mary Alllison in 1959. They moved to the family farm in Williamstown where they raised their two daughters Glenda “Lexze” (Greg) Mann of Revere, Mo. And Gail (Jim) Berry of Glenwood, Mo. His girls gave him seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He later moved to LaGrange and married Kathy Hinson in 2005. She survives. This union gave him two step-sons, Jack (Kelly) Hinson of Edgington, Il. and Brad (Shannon) Hinson of Macon, Mo. This added three additional grandchildren and one great grandchild to the family.

Mike was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in rural Williamstown, Mo. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. After his Honorable Discharge, he worked for Lewis County Motors in Canton, Mo., Mo. Department of Transportation and various mechanic positions. He owned Hudnut Garage in Williamstown. He then went to Griffith Wheel and Hubingers in Keokuk, Ia. where he held design patents and was a draftsman and journeyman pipefitter until his retirement. He later ran for office and became a member of the LaGrange City Council where he also served as Mayor of the city.

Mike was a 50 year member and former Master of the Williamstown Masonic Lodge, now Kahoka Chapter #40 O.E.S. He served as a District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the 15th Mo. District and also a member of the Scottish York Rite. He was also a member of Lewis Co. Memorial Post #578. He had a generous spirit and helped all in need who crossed his path. He loved the country and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He loved “tinkering” in his garage and working on problem solving/design projects.

Mike owned and operated M&M Construction and built buildings all over the tri-states. He was an avid car collector and musician, playing with bluegrass greats, including Delbert Spray, Jim Lynsey and Bill Monroe.

Mike was a great oral historian for his family, a true patriarch in every sense of the word. He loved God, his blended family and his beloved town of Williamstown, where he will be laid to rest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Patrick, his older brother who died in infancy, his uncle Lois and aunt Thelma Hudnut who “adopted” him after his parents passed when he was a young adult, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survivors include all of his two families listed above. Many cousins. A neighbor who became the brother he never had, Lanny (Carol) Hentz of LaGrange, Mo.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Liberty Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Liberty Cemetery’s slave annex restoration project to continue the work Mike started.
Arrangements are with Arnold’s Funeral Home in Canton.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldsfuneralhome.net