Merlin Hudson
Obituary
Merlin Hudson, 87, passed away in the early morning of April 27, 2024.
He was born July 13, 1936 in Buhl, Idaho to parents Leonard Merlin Hudson and Ruby Jewel Towe. The second of two children.
As a youth he worked on his parents' farm, milking cows in the early mornings and tending to the fields in the afternoon.
He graduated from Buhl High School and then joined the Army, which gave him his first look at California.
After performing his basic training at Fort Ord, he was assigned to Hawaii's 25th infantry division.
Completing his military service, he returned back home where his favorite pastimes were tinkering on anything mechanical and prowling the back streets looking for anyone who wanted to drag race his hot rod Model A.
Employment at Green Giant brought him back to California in 1968 where he called Watsonville home. He retired in 1993 but always craving challenges, he returned to work for Martinelli's in 1995.
Final retirement in 2005 brought about travel with his wife of nearly 40 years, Arlene Hudson, covering all of the Western states except for Alaska.
We will remember him as an amazing, intelligent father, an artist, avid car collector, restorer and someone who loved to travel the open roads of Nevada and explore new landscapes. His quiet love for his family and friends along with his great sense of humor will be thoroughly missed.
Survived by his children, Erik and Kelly Hudson, Tracy and Rudy Mendoza, David and Elaine Hannah, Justin and Karina Hannah, 5 grandchildren, Nico, Quinn, Joseph, Issac, Cody and two great-grandchildren, Easton & Southerly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11am - 2pm at the Martinelli's Company Store parking located on 345 Harvest Drive.
In honor of our father's passion for classic cars, we invite you to drive and park your hot rod, or cherished car, and share stories of remembrance about a remarkable man.
Mehl's Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Published in The Pajaronian · June 12, 2024