1927-2024
Harold Lyle Hudson of Good Hope, Illinois (Walnut Grove Township) passed away at Wesley Village on May 24, 2024 at the age of 96 years and 11 months.
Lyle was born on June 19, 1927 to Frank and Ruth Hudson, also of Good Hope, the third of three sons and two daughters. From the age of six until earlier this year, Lyle lived on the same farm 2 ½ miles northeast of Good Hope. He retired from active farming at age 86, pleased that his two sons-in-law (Max Dunseth and Ron Riebling) had joined him in farming, and that two of his grandsons were now farming the land he lovingly took care of for nearly 70 years.
Shortly after his 21st birthday in 1948, Lyle married the love of his life, Maxine (Luster) Hudson, formerly of Sciota, Illinois. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last year on August 15. Lyle and Maxine have three children, Susan Dunseth (Max) of Sciota, Illinois, Chris Hudson (Stuart) of Houston, Texas, and Cindy Phillips (Joe) of Macomb, Illinois. They have six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Lyle was recognized as the “Young Farmer of the Year” in 1955, and served on the McDonough County Telephone Co-Operative from 1956 to 1986, serving as President for several years. Lyle was an early adopter of efficient and labor-saving farming techniques, building a 400-head cattle confinement barn in 1970 and a few years later, a 1,000-head hog confinement building. Both facilities used automated feeding systems and sophisticated waste management systems that fertilized land that is still producing outstanding crops. The cattle and hog facilities were visited by many farmers from throughout the Midwest who were warmly welcomed and given detailed explanations of how the systems operated.
A devout Christian his entire life, Lyle freely shared his faith and encouraged others to follow Christ as well. He served as a Deacon and an Elder for many years at Center Evangelical United Brethren Church in Walnut Grove Township, and Calvary Baptist Church in Macomb, Illinois. He most recently attended Maple Avenue Christian Church. In retirement Lyle especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, especially his great-grandchildren and with his dog, Brandy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters. Lyle’s wife, daughters, son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all still living and take comfort in knowing that he is now enjoying being in the presence of his heavenly father. When asked about how he wanted to be remembered at his funeral, Lyle requested a simple gathering with some traditional hymns, a brief message from his pastor, and a time of remembrance, but not a lot of “fuss and commotion.”
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb with Pastor Donnie Case officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Good Hope-Sciota Rescue Squad or Maple Avenue Christian Church Benevolent fund.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
