Virgil D. Hudson, 96, of St. Marys Twp., died 5:50 p.m. Friday October 21, 2011 at Golden Living Center – Valley in St. Marys.

He was born January 23, 1915 in rural Auglaize Co., OH to Albert and Louise (Hoewischer) Hudson.

On May 9, 1948 in St. Marys, OH he married Esther G. Prueter, who died November 15, 1976.

He is survived by his loving daughter Connie Sue Backlund and her husband Gilbert “Gib” Backlund of Flat Rock, NC; his devoted sister Betty Sondergelt of Springfield, OH; five nieces and a nephew; and dear family friends Barbara and Don Walter of St. Marys, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Brother Elijah “Lige” Hudson, brother Paul Hudson, brother Sylvanus “Bane” Hudson, sister, Gertrude “Gertie” Hudson, and his many beloved dogs, including “Bill,” “Visitor,” and “Kingie.”

He was a 1932 graduate of Memorial High School in St. Marys.  Virgil was a life-long farmer in St. Marys Twp. and among his many joys was the Fall harvest season. He farmed in partnership with his brother, Paul Hudson, as “Hudson Brothers.” They were among the first in the area to transition from horses to tractors, with their first tractor being approved by the Rationing Board during World War II. He was one of two original customers remaining on the rolls of Midwest Electric Co-operative as it celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act earlier this year.

He was a member of the Wayne Street United Methodist Church for over eighty years and served as a long-time usher and was also president of the Methodist Brotherhood (an  interdenominational organization).

An active volunteer with St. Marys Twp. Government for over 30 years, he chaired the Township Zoning Board of Adjustments and worked to secure passage of levies ensuring law enforcement and fire protection for township residents. The St. Marys Twp. Trustees recognized his dedicated service with a meritorious award. He was also recognized by the St. Marys Twp. Fire Department for his many years of service as a dispatcher and volunteer at the station.

Virgil was an avid outdoorsman who appreciated nature and riding his 4-wheeler ATV through the woods with his dogs. In his earlier years he was a hunter, and he would often reminisce about the first day of rabbit season. In later years he enjoyed traveling to various National Parks where his daughter was working.

In December 2000 he became the second farmer in the State of Ohio to ensure that his farm would remain a working farm, with protected areas of woods. He donated an agricultural easement to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, who will oversee that farming continues in perpetuity for all successive owners of the property.

A celebration of Life service is scheduled 10:30 a.m. Thursday October 27, 2011 at Wayne Street United Methodist Church 130 N. Wayne Street in St. Marys. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday at Miller – Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St. Marys.

Flowers are welcomed, or the preferred memorial is Wayne Street UMC.