John Russell (Rusty) Hudelson

May  2nd, 1945 December  28th, 2024
303 Cactus Drive, Levelland, TX 79336
John Russell (Rusty) Hudelson

The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.

Obituary

John Russell (Rusty) Hudelson
May 2, 1945 – December 28, 2024   *Join us February 15, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00pm (see details below)

John Russell “Rusty” Hudelson passed from this world on Saturday, December 28th in Lubbock, TX at the age of 79 after a battle with leukemia.

Rusty is survived by his wife: Schahara Winter Hudelson of Levelland, TX; children: daughter Tania and Stuart Moody of Levelland, TX; daughter Darcy Hudelson Lewis of Springfield, MO; Bobby Lewis of Springfield, MO; grandchildren Sam Moody, Madison and Brent Partain, and Van Lewis; and great-grandchildren Hallie and Hayes Partain. He is also survived by sister: DeLoyce Patterson of McAlester, OK. He was dearly cherished by his nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many, many friends.

Rusty was born on May 2, 1945 in Pratte, KS to the late Kenneth Hudelson and Ruby Cole Hudelson. Rusty received a B.A. from Lubbock Christian University and proudly served America in the U.S. Army Reserves. After graduating high school in 1963 and completing his military commitment, Rusty married the love of his life, Schahara, in 1968 in Monterrey, Mexico. Their spontaneous elopement began a lifelong dedication to and abiding love for one another, played out through their myriad moves and travels, musical ambitions, church involvements, educational endeavors, and, most importantly, the building of their beloved family. Theirs was a “Love of the Century.”

Rusty was a lover of travel, geography, family history and genealogy, music, sports, sweet treats, and motorcycling. He was a deep thinker and had an impeccable memory for people and the past (though not for where he left his keys or phone). He never met a dog he wouldn’t pet. He was a consummate storyteller and engaging conversationalist, and he loved to make people laugh.

Rusty was an extraordinary musical talent. His remarkable gift was revealed at the early age of 2 when he began singing harmonies with his father and sister on the radio in McAlester, OK. Through his childhood, his incomparable skill for playing piano grew; after honing his talents in bands and solo work in the sixties and seventies, he began playing music with his wife, Schahara, and later his daughter, Tania, among many other musicians and bands, creating music that touched so many. The legacy of his gift lives on in the music he left behind.

After settling in West Texas, Rusty began his career at South Plains College where he taught piano, voice, and music theory. He retired having influenced many students who went on to their own successes and who considered him a beloved mentor and friend. While his talent was immense, Rusty will be most remembered for the deep love of his family and dear friends and the sweetness of his kind and tender spirit, but also his wry wit and mischievous sense of humor. He was loyal and protective to a fault, and his generosity of spirit was renowned. He would do anything for his family and those he held dear; he was infinitely proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and he lit up when playing with his great-grandchildren in recent years.

He was the warm fire around which we all gathered. The depth of his absence cannot be measured. There was only one Rusty Hudelson.

A celebration of his life will be held on February 15 th in Levelland, TX. Please join the family in a time of telling stories and listening to the music of this great man. More details to follow.

The family would like to thank the staff at Joe Arrington Cancer Center and all the anonymous blood donors whose selfless contributions sustained his life past expectations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood, plasma, and/or platelets (www.redcrossblood.org) and sign up to be a bone marrow donor (https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry).

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February 15, 2025
Pappy truly was the patriarch of our family. The leader of the band; and a very high standard for a male role in his family. As we all know, pappy with all his talent, charm, and charisma, all qualities that made him the perfect candidate for a celebrity, chose to be a family man rather than a famous one. A choice that truly affected the trajectory of all of our lives. A selfless choice that I believe he never regretted and a job he took very seriously.

Pappy poured everything he had into his family. He truly had a way of making you feel like the most important person in a room when you’d talk to him. He never interrupted, he listened patiently intently, and he gave heartfelt advice and left you feeling loved and heard.

As I’ve looked for things to cling onto to feel close to pappy since his passing, I’ve read his book, read letters written to him for his 70th birthday, listened to his music, and read through our old messages just to have a few more moments with him. And it made me realize just how tangible his absence truly is.

As Ive reminisced and mourn his loss, so many memories flood in and I’m reminded of how pappy, for me, has always been there. Im privileged to have countless memories of motorcycle rides once ending in a ticket for trying to fit him, Mumpy, Sam, and myself onto it at once in an attempt to pick us up from school.

Spontaneous phone calls with the request to pick me up to go get a treat, taking me to the store to pick out candy and with all the patience in the world, letting me take 30 minutes to pick out what I wanted. Sleepovers with bedtime stories about pookie, a character he had made up, and the smell of crispy bacon to wake you up in the mornings spent at their house.

I remember his truck always being stocked with sunflower seeds, which he taught me how to crack properly as I’d been eating them whole and those sleeves of gumballs. You could always count on pappy to have some candy on hand.

I remember the excitement I felt anytime I’d pull into the driveway of his and Mumpy’s house and I’d see him perched in his spot at his piano filling the house with music, or I’d see the back of his head through the window of the front room, his nose buried in his computer diving into google maps or Facebook, some of his simple joys, and when he would see you in his peripherals he’d easily abandon his playing or his searching and jump up to greet you with the biggest smile and that famous “heeey!” That I’ll miss dearly.

I remember our family trips to California, with pappys reckless driving through the short stop lights and hills of LA and the million U turns he made to snag a parking spot as he did one of his many schticks of bullying the navigation system, and scolding the drivers who weren’t up to his speed with “come on mamaw” or “go on now” something that always made me laugh.

We had many laughs on that trip together with Sam and Mumpy with our “star spotting” as we pointed out random people and misidentified them as celebrities.

I remember going to Hawaii and waking the beach one afternoon with him, just the two of us, soaking in the beauty and walking barefoot in the sand. Camping near the Grand Canyon with some old buddies of pappy’s hunting for arrowheads and sitting around the fire and enjoying nature.

He accompanied me to many volleyball tournaments, gave me driving lessons, helped me get my first car, hosted family game nights with delicious dinners, hot dog and marshmallow roasts and a hot tub soak filled with laughter and family harmonies.

He kept me updated with the family when I left for college, we frequently FaceTimed throughout my years as a stay at home mom, and he still showed up for every party, holiday, or gathering until his very last days. He was the glue that held us all together, something I know we will honor him by carrying on.

All this to say, pappy never forgot his loved ones. He always made time for you, and with Valentine’s Day just passing, I felt another sucker punch to the heart that reminded me of the weight of his absence because pappy has always been my valentine even after I was married and had one I could count on. If he were still here I would have had 2 Starbucks gift cards waiting in my inbox for me and for Hallie.

Now I know that when I approach that same window where a dining table now replaces the place I see pappy still in my mind playing his piano or getting his Facebook fix, it will always feel a little different.

When my sweet and beloved grandmother fills its doorway with her famous “get in here and hug my neck” there will now be a stinging silence that follows. Replacing the echoed and energetic “heeey!” Or hey sweetie and hug that had once harmoniously joined her greeting. But I will always be grateful for the memories I have of him in that window and standing in that doorway. And I’ll always remember that smiling face and the happiness behind it when he was with his people.

He was one of my best friends and I know his absence will be felt until we meet again. Thank you for showing me true love and thank you for being my friend. You are so loved and so dearly missed.
Madi Partain
February 14, 2025
In my years at SPC, my twin sister, Penny, and I never turned down an invite to make music with or get to be around Rusty. I can’t remember exactly where it happened, but we ended up on two wheels one afternoon headed toward Lubbock to play music together at the Cactus. Rusty had one of the quickest wits about him, and nearly rolling his green GMC pickup into the ditch in order to dodge an oncoming vehicle couldn’t keep him from a quick one-liner before the dust even had a chance to settle. The first and most natural words out of his mouth after landing back on all four wheels was, “Is the accordion okay?” We all had a good and nervous laugh before continuing east on 114.

While I could and would love to share more memories involving the likes of motorcycle rides and ghost stories, I really want to relay how his natural gifting as well as his appreciation for good music inspired me probably more than anyone I’ve ever been around. The truth is, part of why I was inspired to get better was because I could tell that better music brought him “better” joy. He LOVED harmony, and my sister and I loved to wrap notes around his lead for a three part tune. Rusty was fun, respectful, and an encouraging teacher and friend. He was a huge supporter! I felt the love not only while at SPC, but throughout the years when we’d make a return visit to west Texas. My visits with Schahara and Rusty in their home post SPC college days are some wonderful memories! I’m grateful for who Rusty’s been to so many, and I want the Hudelson clan to know that I love and appreciate your family and how true it is for me that Rusty’s legacy and inspiration live on in my life.
Katy Clark
February 12, 2025
Hi Schahara, I was so sorry to hear about Rusty's passing. He was a true friend and mentor to me. He was consistent, calm and brilliant. I loved my lessons where he would make me feel like I could achieve anything I ever wanted to. I'll always remember those twinkling eyes and smile; and the way he would talk about his love for you, Schahara. I distinctly remember him saying more than once "she still turns me on"! Rusty got me the Mean Woman Grill gig, which put food on my table and was where I honed my craft, met a great boy, and made lifelong friends and memories. He sang effortless harmonies on my first record. Schahara, you set me up with my first website domain (I hope 20 odd years later that you've finally stopped getting the reminder renewal emails 😆). I love that you two visited my parents in the UK and the jetlagged, falling asleep on the underground story from that trip 😂 When mum and dad visited me in Lubbock it was the middle of summer and the AC on my car had broken. We met up with you two...I think you were both wearing crisp white shirts. I remember Dad saying how clean and nice you looked with your white shirts, beautiful white teeth and shiny hair, while we felt very pink and sweaty in comparison! I'm forever grateful for knowing him, you and your family. Sending you so much love ❤️
Mikaela Dewar
February 11, 2025
John Russell Hudelson:
Joy and the Spiritual-Natural Nature

What to say about John R. Hudelson, affectionately known in day-to-day life by family and friends as "Rusty?"

For me, how I felt about him is akin to having my first child. It was exciting, an anticipatory celebration of good things to come. a late night party of benign revelling for the future. The "first child" and the "first brother" share these feelings of anticipatory joy, although the first brother preceded long before my first child. For parents, subsequent children or a brother his three other brothers are not loved any less, only that the first one is something new and makes its mark on the spirit, its positive influence, and so, the history of a beneficial social relation begins.

What do I remember about Rusty? First, I have deep gratitude for him intermittently saving me from drowning in a sea of household estrogen, although without a doubt I absolutely adore my four sisters. It takes not much saving for any human being, only just enough influence to see, experience, and hold on to the promise of something new, especially when it aligns with who you are and what you are. Such is the thing of grace or an ecological limiting factor, that one trace mineral, plant, model, or grace in just enough amount to occur and thrive. Then, the limiting factor was a young male longing for male camaraderie. Now, that camaraderie is long past. I am only a father with grown children hoping for that promise. Rusty was one positive limiting factor in my life through the life course.

In my youth, I anxiously celebrated the intermittent anticipatory arrival of new birth every time Rusty and Schahara would visit our home in Ardmore, OK. He and I would play monopoly all night, a contest of who was more lucky and who could slyly cheat the best. What joy, this camaraderie of males!

Perhaps, it was a sacrifice for Rusty to stay up all night playing games with a kid. But I know that it was joy because I have never seen anyone in the conscious or spiritual moment as he was. Whatever it was he found to do, he was engaged. Maybe that is what joy is – staying conscious in the spiritual moment to celebrate all that moment has to offer. Rusty, I believe, had great capacity to experience joy.

Rusty and I, also in my youth, made prank phone calls, a mischievous society of males, breaking the rules for a good laugh. Or, placing objects in people's shopping carts to gauge their reaction at check-out. No real harm, this benign breaking the rules by a society of harmless naughty males. It is or was a male thing at one time to be a somewhat harmlessly naughty male. Without breaking faux norms imposed on the male self one is placed in a strait jacket of sociological narrative and/or religious misinterpretations imposed as truth. Here I am not referring to norms derived from nature because it is the only reliable measure of what one is as American culture obfuscates and terrorizes the nature of males, as well as women and mothers.

Rusty, as I witnessed, exhibited the spiritual-natural nature of faith, goodness, kindness, patience, peace, love, moderation, and self-control. Is it not the true nature of human nature – the spiritual-natural nature – in behavioral practice? Is the spiritual-natural nature not less a burden than practicing the cultural-natural nature? Although, we all practice the spiritual-natural nature unevenly at times, overall, Rusty practiced the spiritual-natural nature. If one is a spiritual-natural being, how can one do much less than practice what one is? Rusty's parents receive high marks for socializing Rusty into the spiritual-natural nature. Rusty did not turn away from that basic character.

Second, Rusty, for me, was a living hypothesis of a father; a statement of what is expected, that something observed not by chance. One word that comes to mind of Rusty's inner being is "servant." Through the years, wherever he and Schahara lived, I witnessed him integrating himself through service with the various groups he came in contact with, whether helping a rancher, aiding local organizations, social life and play, teaching students music, playing music, and related to church, ministering, preaching, teaching, and leading song services. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. They were joy to him. I noticed the humble, longingful joy in his eyes and facial expression when any of his progeny were mentioned in his presence. The demeanor, if a question could be isolated and formulated from it, was: How can I help? What can I do?

Like a man, I noticed him tenderly and gently care for his wife early on and also more recently. The legacy of a man is not his shortcomings, as we all commit human error, but his character. Rusty and Schahara were partners, a real love story.

Rusty fought to live. God was merciful. He, I believe, did the possible through prayer and spirit. Rusty saw one more Christmas, and more importantly, no doubt, felt one last great joy. I am told he held his new great grand son Hayes in his arms, and, like with me so many years ago, but to a greater degree his own flesh and blood that lives on, he had his joy, which contagious joy influences for the better the life it touches.

I'm gonna miss you Rusty, my dear sweet brother!
Christopher Winter
February 11, 2025
Rusty will forever be remembered in our hearts as a great and Godly man that loved his family and friends with all his heart.
The Good Lord blessed Rusty with a rare musical gift that would be used to further bless the lives of countless people over the years.
We will always remember his excellent sense of humor and quick wit. I still laugh today at some of the things he said or jokes he would pull on those Caravan trips. He was always able to lighten the most serious of circumstances with a smirk and a quick laugh.
A more inspiring person/teacher does not come to mind when thinking of our college years. Our lives are richer for knowing him.
Prayers for all of the family. God Speed Rusty! We will see you soon enough!
Derek Spence
February 10, 2025
Rusty was a great brother-in-law and his humor was instinctive and fun, his talent definitely 'immense'. The lifelong relationship with my sister and our family has been inspirational. We all loved and were in awe of his musical abilities but I'll personally always remember how mesmerized our parents, Bennie and Joy Winter, were by the talent of their son-in-law. RIP Rusty!
Schaunon Winter Gilman
February 10, 2025
One of my fondest memories of Rusty and his beloved wife Schahara is the day many years ago they arrived at our Evergreen, CO home, 8,000 feet above sea level, on a sunny summer day, riding their red Goldwing. They had just completed a road trip from Texas, and I remember thinking to myself, "That's a fantastic way to spend a long weekend with your sweetheart." During that visit and many others, we always delighted in listening to Rusty play the piano and sing, often joining in. Another cherished memory I have of Rusty and Schahara is sitting in their hot tub, playing word games and strategizing how to remove the latest family of skunks from under their house.

As one of the 3 amigo brother-in-laws, Rusty, Doug and myself, I can't imagine a more loving, funny, and caring brother-in-law than my "brother from another mother," John Russell Hudelson.
Mark Gilman
February 9, 2025
Rusty Hudelson……..a true classic gentleman, with an unbelievable brain for theory and wisdom. A human jukebox. Friend. Circle Of Fifths legend.

Not only did I have the privilege of having Rusty back me up countless times at the Cactus Theater as a kid, my college experience at SPC has Rusty written all over it. Country Jukebox was never a toss up of auditioning for because of Professor Rusty. The many talks in his office about life, music, plans for the future….a great debt I get to repay by opening my door to the office at NMJC everyday for my students. I met my wife Kristi in Rusty’s class. ❤️ My heart goes out to Schahara, Tania, and all family that will feel this 2024 come to a bittersweet close. One story……

In April of this year, Dad #2 Don Caldwell hired my program from NMJC Entertainment & Music Technology to run sound/lighting production for an event at the Overton. Not only was this the last ever phone call I got to have with Don with a “post gig” recap, but Rusty was hired as a pianist to play during the cocktail hour. I was so surprised to see Rusty walk in as it had been a couple years since we saw each other. No one was coming in the banquet room as Rusty started playing, and the wait staff were bringing food out. After Rusty’s time had expired, he came to collect a check and we had the greatest laugh finding out that the venue forgot to tell us that we were supposed to set him up IN THE FOYER where the people were. A miscommunication turned into a laughable moment. Embrace, and goodbye/see ya again.

I thank you Rusty for our friendship and your mentorship. My promise to you, is to continue the legacy of mentoring and nurturing the next generation of students that now come in my office for those “talks”.

“Everything's cool. Besides, the sky belongs to the stars, right?” - Marshall Crenshaw
Dustin Garrett
February 8, 2025
My mom's (Gladys' daughter Lois) cousin Rusty was always a superstar to me! More than once he stayed with us in Tulsa when he was playing and singing at Shotgun Sam's - it was so much fun to listen to him - and I was so proud that we were family. Also great memories of the year Schahara and his girls were with him and they all performed in the talent show at the Tulsa State Fair!
Just like his daddy (great uncle Kenneth to me) the love of Jesus shone so very gently yet so brightly through his eyes and his life. I was looking for a Bible verse that includes gentle, humble, strong, to describe Rusty and landed on Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Holy Spirit was bountiful in his life! Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control couldn't describe Rusty better in my eyes.
Lori Chester
February 7, 2025
A Rusty Hudelson Story, betcha can’t tell just one!

Rusty was rehearsing an ensemble (Saturday Night Special? Country JukeBox?) the first time I stepped foot inside the Tom T. Hall at SPC. The visit was a prelude to figure out a transition plan from active duty Marine Corps to enrolling as an SPC college student the following fall. It was a first and memorable impression to the kind of talent, class and everything good about the caliber of musician, mentor and friend Rusty Hudelson exemplified by example to everyone he came in contact with both, on and off the stage.

I can still see Rusty wearing his Oklahoma Sooners ball cap teaching a class, telling a quick joke and-or story relating to the subject matter. In addition, I can still hear “The Living Jukebox” in my head, an act he had with guitar, legend John Hartin and ever faithful Schahara Hudelson close by, at the Mean Woman Grill or out at the Salt Lick at Cagles Steaks.

Rusty always had that quiet professional mentality and reminded me of a lot of collegiate wrestling athletes and coaches i came into contact with years before, who were giants and masters of their craft but never let on with it. He just went out there and did what needed to be done. Nonetheless, he had a way of putting you at ease so you could learn, develop, and excel at what you were trying to get accomplished individually and as part of a group.

Recollecting Rusty, once during an SPC vocal jury at the end of a semester, I was doing my best to extend into falsetto in my head voice range, and he could tell I was not all that comfortable with, as a baritone.

He told me, “ Matt, it isnt an easy thing to sing like a girl, is it?”

As, funny as that may sound, that still remains true to this day….It is not, nor is it easy for a alto or soprano to sing like a baritone, but if I had to start, I might ask Terri Clark on that one and Rusty might agree.

Rusty retired a few years after I first enrolled at SPC and I remembered how enthused he was and how much he looked forward to hitting the road on the motorcycle to travel with Scahara in retirement. I would like to imagine he is probably still out there riding the wind somewhere, still playing keys and harmonizing, maybe riding along side, Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. They would be in very good company if that’s true.

All poetry aside , what I know is true, Rusty was a great and faithful servant to The Almighty, to Christ The Messiah.

God Bless Rusty Hudelson. Good ride cowboy!

God Speed & Semper Fi,

Matt Bowlin
Matt Bowlin
January 30, 2025
Praying for everyone and so happy that this site is allowing me to share in the joy Pappy brought. I thought I’d also share my thoughts and memories that I posted on Madi’s instagram (I attached a screenshot here as it wouldn’t let me copy and paste the text). He was an amazing Pappy, it always felt special that Madi and I called our grandfathers the same nickname. He was an absolute JOY to know and he truly made an impact on my life for the better. Thank you for allowing me into your lives through Madi and blessing me with the opportunity to know him ❤️
Kendall Mahler
January 29, 2025
Fifty-six years ago, Rusty became family when he married my sister. There are many stories I could relay through the years. We have had lots of laughs and have traveled with Schahara and Rusty and made many memories with them. One of the many things I will miss about Rusty is having access to him as he was my go-to for questions pertaining to music no matter how absurd. He always had an answer for me and I knew it was accurate. But I would say the thing I appreciate most is how he was devoted and dedicated to my sister. I know she will miss him always.
Scheryl Winter Williams
January 25, 2025
Rusty Hudelson was my vocal coach at SPC and I always looked forward to our lessons. As time went by, he became less of a teacher and more of a mentor and friend to me. I looked up to him, not just for his musicianship (he was also a superb pianist), but because of the kind of man he was.… A wonderful husband to his wife, Schahara; an amazing father to Tania and Darcy; a respected colleague to the other instructors and a great friend to the rest of us!

Just about every time I came to Lubbock or Levelland to perform, he and Schahara were there to support me. The most recent time, however, sticks out the most in my mind. SPC named me a “Distinguished Alumni” in November 2023… I was honored to have them both at my table. It was so good just to chat with him about old times and future plans. It was like no time has passed since our student/teacher days.

I will miss him, but I am so grateful to the good Lord that he allowed him to be part of my life. Rest in peace, my friend…
Heath Wright
January 18, 2025
Our hearts go out to all the family members. We will cherish all the memories together. His legacy will live on through the hearts he has touched.
NJ Gilman's
January 18, 2025
I can’t remember the exact conversation, but somehow David and I were telling Rusty about how David sang to me at our wedding. When we told the name of the song (I Come to Offer My Love to You), Rusty told us that his father had written the song! A few weeks later, he brought us an autographed copy of the sheet music! That was such a neat thing to do for us! Side note: the song was also sung at my parent’s wedding.❤️ I know that you all are going to miss him greatly, and my prayers are with you.
Dawn Perrin
January 18, 2025
I would know that smile and bright eyes anywhere. Blessings and prayers.
Tom Milholland

Service


Please join us to pay a last tribute and celebrate a life worth celebrating. If you would like to contribute and share your photos and memories, please do so here. We would love for you to create a 2-3 minute video that will be shared at the event, if you're so inclined, we are not doing an open mic, as we know we all could talk about him forever!

Tribute videos may be sent to: rustyhudelsonmemorial@gmail.com, and will be added here for all to enjoy!

We will come together to remember and pay tribute, share stories, and memories to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time. 
Location
South Plains College
Tom T. Hall
1401 College Ave
Levelland, TX 79336
Date/time
February 15, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00pm
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