John Anthony (Tony) Hudgens

Marion John Anthony (Tony) Hudgens, 57, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 7:05 A.M. at Heartland Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Tony was born in Marion on August 12, 1949 to Betty Ruth and Butch Emery. Butch passed away in 1954. Betty Ruth remarried Carl Hudgens who formally adopted Tony and his sister Deanna. Betty Ruth passed away in 1965. Tony cherished and appreciated his relationship with Carl through the years. Tony married Jennifer T. Murphy on December 28, 1996 in Marion and she survives. During his youth and high school years Tony was a pitcher and short stop for the Marion Wildcats. Once introduced as the kid who could throw a fast ball through a brick wall, Tony continued to play competitive softball well into his thirties and was well known to hit the ball a country mile. Tony remained a loyal Wildcat fan throughout his life and enjoyed attending all kinds of events across the region. He was elated to see the Cardinals win one more World Series. He was a NASCAR fan and loved children and music. Tony volunteered to serve his country. Going to the Army in 1968 but when treatment for a serious case of pneumonia disclosed a heart murmur he was given a medical discharge. Tony was employed in the auto parts, tire and industrial maintenance products industry. He worked at Kimmels, Napa and Blankenships, and had many loyal customers, but was most visible to the public during his years managing Jakes Tire, even appearing in their television advertising. In recent years Tony worked in sales for Barnes Distribution with customers all across Southern Illinois. Tony attended Second Baptist Church in Marion during his childhood and young adult years. For the past thirteen years he enjoyed membership at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. The fellowship and support of that church family brought him comfort and faith through his illness. Tony had an outgoing personality and an infectious smile. He never met a stranger or a person he couldnt talk to. He loved a good joke and pulled quite a few on friends and family. He was a doting father to his daughter Pamela and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren Hayden, Harper and Skylark. Tony is survived by his wife, Jennifer and his daughter Pamela Hudgens. Stepfather Carl Hudgens and his wife Dolly and her son Jeff Fisher. Step-Children, Heather and Steve Hartley of Urbana, Colin and Cathy Glaser of Gresham, Oregon. Sisters Carla Klaine and Deanna Reneer of Marion. Father-in-law Bill Murphy, Brother-in-laws and wives Tom and Jan Murphy, Brad and Sheliagh Murphy both of Marion. Sister-in-law and husband Gina and Mike Durr of Oakland, Maine. Many nieces, nephews and friends. Tony will be so missed by so many but his memory will be carried on by those lucky enough to have been his friend. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Bill Rucker officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to 1st Christian Church Memorial Fund, Disciples of Christ. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.