Dr. Colin Munroe Hudson

Colin Munroe Hudson, Ph.D., passed away Monday, January 19, 2015 at the age of 99 years. He lived an extraordinary life; one reflecting a constant pursuit of scientific studies and reflecting his dedication to Christian values, and love of family, church, and country. He was born at home in Greenville, South Carolina on March 8, 1915 to (Sally) Coline (Munroe) and Wilton Tyler Hudson. He had tireless energy throughout his life, opening his first business enterprise at the age of 6, delivering milk for school children and establishing a savings account in which he deposited his earnings gaining his first knowledge of banking and interest accounts. Dr. Hudson excelled at Greenville (SC) High School winning top honors in Latin and Chemistry. His studies at Presbyterian College brought him additional honors in Mathematics and Physics, including Valedictorian of his graduating class. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Hudson participated in R.O.T.C. and was a member of the Track Team and excelled in running a two mile event in 10:28, Debating Team and many other campus activities. In 1936, through R.O.T.C. he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Infantry in the United States Army. Dr. Hudson continued his prolific academic scholarship at the University of Wisconsin in 1936, pursuing studies in Advanced Physics and Mathematics, receiving his Doctorate in 1940. Colin’s interest in college went far beyond his academic pursuits. In 1937, after completing of his first year at Wisconsin, he obtained a certificate as an “Able-bodied Seaman”, working his way to Europe on the cargo ship, The City Of Glouster. He then bicycled 1700 miles through England, France, and Germany, on a used 4 speed bicycle purchased for 14 schillings. Following graduation, from 1940 – 1942, he accepted a position as a Research Physicist for Frankford Arsenal in the research and development of ammunition. From 1942 – 1946 he was on active duty with the United States Army in Washington, D.C. continuing his work on development of ammunition's. He maintained his military service in the Army Reserves until his retirement as a Colonel in 1968. While stationed in Washington, D.C., he met Martha Penland, of Weaverville, North Carolina, a graduate of Montreat and Queens Colleges. During her summer break from teaching in Morganton, North Carolina, Martha worked in Washington, D.C. They were married 2-1/2 after first meeting on September 1, 1945. She was his partner and love for 59 years, until her death in 2005. Colin and Martha remained in Washington, D.C. until 1967 and raised a family of four children. During this time Dr. Hudson began a pioneering career in the development of ammunition and armaments, procuring several major patents in his field. Dr. Hudson continued his work for the U.S. Government as Chief of Ordnance for the U.S. Army in close cooperation with the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and NASA and as Technical Director for the U.S. Army Military Command. In 1967 Dr. Hudson was appointed Chief Scientist for the US Army Weapons Command in Moline, Illinois having responsibility for the supervision of over 500 scientists and technical personnel until he retired from the position in 1976. Dr. Hudson was tireless in his pursuits of learning and after his retirement from the Department of the Army he accepted the position of Manager of Special Projects with John Deere and Company (Moline, IL) until 1985. His love for science allowed for an easy transition to a career in Engineering at John Deere. During this time he also traveled the world extensively, attending The Monroe Clan Reunions in Scotland and Nova Scotia, driving his family to Alaska on the Alaskan Highway, attending Rotary Club Meetings in Argentina, business meetings in the Soviet Union and Friendship Force exchanges in Japan. After retiring from John Deere Company, Colin and Martha moved to Weaverville, North Carolina, where he founded the Reems Creek John Deere dealership. They were active members of First Presbyterian Church (Asheville, NC), serving in many capacities, including Elder. Dr. Hudson’s life was filled with incredible accomplishments, richness and warmth. Dr. Hudson is survived by his wife of five years Susan (Inscoe) (Seaton) Hudson, four children and their spouses: David Hudson (Janet Ailstock), Colin Lester Hudson, Martha (Dwayne) Intveld, Pam (Cy) Sanders, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife Martha (Penland) Hudson in 2005 and his second wife Grace (Pearson) (Plowden) Hudson in 2008. The family will receive friends 7:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue (Asheville, NC). A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, January 23, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church (Asheville, NC) immediately followed by a reception at Deerfield Retirement Community . Private interment will occur at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery (Black Mountain, NC). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Presbyterian Children's Home of Black Mountain, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC or First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, NC.

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Dr. Colin Munroe Hudson

March 8, 1915 - January 19, 2015