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Remembering Joe Hudson

Abraxas Hudson stands next to a portrait he painted of his grandfather Joe Hudson. He said his grandfather was not just a businessman, but a humble man who helped anyone who needed it. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 27, 2022

Nearly 350 people visited Eagle Crest Airport May 24 to honor and remember businessman and philanthropist Joe Hudson, a true American success story. Joe had a rags-to-riches story. He came from humble beginnings to be one of the most successful businessmen in Delaware.

In 1986, Joe was asked to join the board of directors of Beebe Hospital, where his passion for helping people was brought to the forefront. His service and generosity led to the naming of the Hudson Emergency Wing in 2008.

His many acts of philanthropy were often done anonymously. He helped the people and causes he valued with no desire for recognition. “He helped people because he could,” said grandson Abraxas Hudson.

After the service, Hudson’s daughter Susie held his urn as she flew with pilot Jeff Chorman in the Stearman that Hudson had given to Chorman’s father, Allen. They made a few circles around the Hudsons’ property as the attendees cheered from below.

 

Rich Collins speaks of how he bought lots with Joe and sold and traded them to make a living.
Bill Lankford, a longtime friend of Joe Hudson, remembers hanging with him and telling stories over coffee and lunch with a group of friends he called “the guys.”
Old family friend John Zacharias was given a job by Joe, who taught him about being a hard worker. “He was always kind and had great compassion for people,” said Zacharias.
Cape Gazette Publisher Emeritus Dennis Forney tells stories about Joe Hudson as a friend and philanthropist. He spoke of Joe’s friendship with pilot Ted Freeman and his days of playing football for Lewes High School.
Jeff Chorman and his father Allen worked with Joe in the aviation business. He spoke of his many flights with Joe.
Joe’s grandson Jamin speaks emotionally about the impact his grandfather had on his life.
Joe’s daughter, Susie Hudson, watches a video of an interview with numerous friends and family of Joe.
Joe’s grandson Christian smiles as he watches a video of his grandfather.
Andrew Parsell carries Joe Hudson’s urn as daughter Susie walks to the Stearman biplane in which she would fly around the Hudson property. Susie is wearing her father’s bomber jacket for the flight.
“The guys” gather with Joe Hudson’s portrait. A consummate storyteller, in his older years Joe held court at Surf Bagel and Arby’s with this group of his friends. Shown with Joe’s portrait are (l-r) Dick “Sharpie” Sharp, John Mavromatis, Bill Lankford, Warren Walls, Bob Nicholson and Jeff Mitchell.
Joe Hudson’s brother Bob, the last remaining of the 12 Hudson children, watches as the plane takes off carrying his brother’s ashes.
Joe Hudson’s daughter Susie, holding his ashes, returns from the flight with Jeff Chorman.
A group of local musicians, led by Ed Shockley, right, and Sherman and Peggy Ward, escorts Susie to the plane singing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
Those in attendance watch as the Stearman biplane flies around the property.
Family friend Pret Dyer says the opening prayer for the service.
Joe Hudson’s grandson Jamin speaks of the generous man Joe was to everyone.
Joe Hudson’s first job was delivering Grit magazine to homes in the Harbeson area.
Abraxas Hudson painted this portrait of his grandfather Joe.
A portrait of the Hudson family was on display at the altar.
Joe Hudson’s grandson Christian and his family pay their respects before the service.
Joe Hudson’s great-grandsons Craig, left, and Charlie share a quiet moment before the service.
Dr. Anis Saliba pays his respects to his lifelong friend.
Family friend John Zacharias gives a hug to Christian Hudson.
Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Tam, right, gives Christian Hudson a paperweight commemorating the Joseph R. Hudson Emergency Wing.
Susie Hudson, left, has a moment with family friend Charlotte Bastian.
Dennis Forney, left, and Alex Pires share a story about Joe Hudson.
Memorial honors were presented from the Delaware Senate and House of Representatives, and Sussex County Council.
Freda Burton, Joe Hudson’s late youngest sister, was part of the video honoring Joe.
The Stearman biplane takes off carrying Joe Hudson’s ashes for one last flight around his property.
Hudson gave this Stearman biplane to Allen Chorman and Blair Thompson.
Abraxas Hudson stands next to a portrait of his grandfather he painted. He spoke about his grandfather’s legacy.
Family friend John Zacharias told of hearing many stories as he had lunch with the Hudson family.
Dennis Forney tells a story of Joe Hudson getting his front teeth knocked out when playing football for Lewes High against Rehoboth High School.
Rich Collins said Joe Hudson was a friend to everyone and helped many people without fanfare.
Jeff Chorman hands Joe Hudson’s urn to daughter Susie for one last flight around the Hudson property.
Jeff Chorman assists Susie Hudson into the Stearman plane for Joe Hudson’s last trip around the property.
The Stearman lands and settles next to Joe Hudson’s Futuro Home.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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