David Dean "Dave" Hudson, 73, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, passed away January 23, 2024, in Liza's Place, Wheeling, West Virginia.

He was born June 14, 1950, in Cambridge, Ohio, a son of the late Betty McKay Hudson and Rev. Ralph D. Hudson.

Dave worked for Consol Energy from 1974 to 2009, retiring as Vice President of Pennsylvania Operations. Dave extended his dedication to the mining community through his involvement with industry related organizations, including: Veterans of Mine Rescue and the Mining Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Association (MeMma), among others. He also served the Great Stone Viaduct Society as Trustee and was an active member of Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville, serving on many committees over the years.

Dave was proud to be a Bellaire Big Red, where he was a standout on the gridiron named Co-Captain of the 1968 OVAC All-Star Ohio squad. He went on to attend West Virginia University on a football scholarship, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

The self-proclaimed 'happiest man in the world', Dave was a man of great faith. His warmth, humor, and good nature will be missed by family, neighbors, colleagues, and former teammates. He frequently reminded others: "You gotta laugh a little every day."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Hudson, and a brother, Gary Hudson.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Marie Knowles Hudson; two sons, Zachary (Annie) Hudson and Seth (Dena) Hudson; four grandchildren, Ava, Haley, Hunter, and Nora Hudson; a brother, Jim (Dara) Hudson; nieces and nephews. His pride in his sons and love for his family was immeasurable.

Family and friends will be received at the Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday 9 a.m. to time of service at 11 a.m., with Rev. David St. Aubin and Pastor Bill Wendell officiating. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family in Guernsey County Memory Gardens, Cambridge, Ohio. Arrangements are entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave's memory will be used to support local children. Memorial donations may be made online https://bit.ly/HudsonFundFAO or by mail: Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, In memory of David Hudson, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.