Mirl Clesson Hudson

Mirl Clesson Hudson, the third son of John David and Francis Charity Hudson, was born on October 29, 1900, in the community of Flat Creek, Missouri. On November 26, 1922, he married Ruth Nadine Irby and they moved to Southern California and settled in Montebello. On May 22, 1923, Mirl went to work for Southern Counties Gas Company of California. On August 22, 1923, a son, Gerald Dean, was born to Ruth and Mirl.

On December 4, 1943, during World War II, Mirl obtained military leave of absence from Southern Counties Gas Company and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at the Santa Ana Army Air Base in Santa Ana, California. After receiving the rank of Corporal, he was assigned to the Post Engineers. He was also assigned to Flight 5, 1040th AAF Base Unit, RS #4. On November 18, 1944, he was honorably discharged and returned to his job as a serviceman with Southern Counties Gas Company. He was promoted to a foreman and held that position until June 1, 1956, when he received a job assignment as a service inspector.

On May 28, 1963, Ruth died suddenly after being rushed to Beverly Hospital in Montebello, California. She was buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Garden of Rest, Block 344, Lot 2355, Whittier, California. Ruth was well known in the area for her participation in civic affairs and for her singing ability. She was president of the Montebello American Legion Auxiliary and belonged to the Harmony Rebekah Lodge 355. She was also a member of the Montebello Coordinating Council. SHe served on the election board for a number of years and sang in the Baptist and Methodist church choirs. She was a member of the Los Angeles Civic Choir of a Thousand Voices and sang at the Tenth Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1932.

Shortly after Ruth's death Mirl sold his home in Montebello and moved to Whittier. On November 1, 1965, he retired after forty-two and one half years of service with Southern Counties Gas Company. In the late 1960's, Mirl was spending winters with his son in California, and traveled to Aurora, Missouri to spend the summers with his sister, Etta. He eventually settled in Aurora, Missouri. It was there that on September 21, 1980, Mirl died and was buried in the Crane Cemetery. He was 79 years old.