JOHN A. HUDNALL

Mar. 24, 1961 - Nov. 16, 2013
GRANGER - John Allen Hudnall, 52, of Granger, IN, passed away at 2:05 PM Saturday, November 16 at the Center for Hospice Care in South Bend, after a grueling battle with cancer. John was surrounded by the people he loved, and who loved him. He was born on March 24, 1961 in Cleveland, OH to Ira and Louise (Rhiendel) Hudnall. On November 4, 2002, he married Laura B. Maure - and Laura knew the moment she saw him at Doolittle's, that John was going to be hers!

John graduated from Clay High School and was a stone and brick mason, who took great pride in his work. He often said: "Anyone can lay brick, but it takes a true artist to work with stone." John laid the foundations for family, friends, and countless others, because he was simply the best - and his craftsmanship will live with us for generations.

John is survived by his wife, Laura Hudnall; sons, Jered (Holly) Hudnall of South Bend, Chad Maure and Chandler Hill of Mishawaka; seven grandchildren; father, Ira (Wanda) Hudnall of Crestline, OH; brothers, David (Julie) Hudnall and Dee Dee (Michelle) Hudnall of South Bend; sister-in-law, Cathy Hudnall of South Bend; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Hudnall; son, Dean Hudnall; sister, Barbara Bates; brother, Chad Hudnall; and nephew, Timothy Hudnall.

Johnny enjoyed fishing, camping, and westerns. He especially loved watching Gunsmoke with his dog Sampson. He was a humble man, except when he was teaching his boys a lesson on the basketball court. Johnny spent his last days making sure his house was in order.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 19 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to Mass in church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Johnny may be donated to the Hudnall Family Benefit Fund, c/o 1st Source Bank. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting with the arrangements, and online condolences may be left for the Hudnall family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Johnny was a simple man who loved his family. He didn't always follow his own advice about not starting a project in the front yard, where everyone can see your mistakes - and as a result - he made his share of bad choices and poor decisions. But like the amazing craftsman he was, he learned from the mistakes, and in the last few years, was doing the best work of his life. After all, it doesn't matter what a project looks like in the beginning, it only matters how it comes out in the end. Johnny spent his last days laying a foundation for his family - although, instead of the concrete and stone he had used in the past - this one was built out of love, compassion, and his determination to live. A lot of people can work with stone, but it takes a true artist to work with love. Johnny - thanks for the masterpiece.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2013.

10/15/2022 EJS