Clete Wesley Hudson

On July 26, 2024, Chanute, Kansas, lost a cherished member of its community with the passing of Clete Wesley Hudson (60). He passed away peacefully with his children by his side.

Clete was born on September 4, 1963, to Cale and Janie (Mitchell) Hudson in Parsons, Kansas. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1982 and furthered his education at the University of Kansas. Clete was married to Tiffany Hudson Gwillim for 22 years, and together, they raised three children: Hunter, Morgan, and Cali. 

Clete was a dedicated and active father who cherished spending time with his kiddos. Whether working on the farm, making payphone runs for his business, hunting, enjoying weekends at the lake, attending KU football games, or playing golf, his kids were always part of the adventure. He coached youth football, golf, and basketball to instill the importance of teamwork and resilience. His tough-love approach and "never give up" mentality will continue to guide his family. Clete’s boundless love for his children was matched only by the special bond he shared with them, and his legacy of dedication to family will continue to inspire generations to come.

Clete took immense pride in his children; his proudest moments were seeing them become parents. His grandchildren, Hudson Miller (4), Cale Hudson II (3), Harper Hudson (3), and the late Nash Koester, held a special place in his heart. As a grandfather, affectionately known as "Pa," he enjoyed showering them with sugary treats, random toys, and mischievous ideas. His grandchildren were the light of his life. As Pa, he enjoyed watching them grow and learn together. He dreamt of the day that he could watch them compete against one another, work on the farm, and learn to drive in his truck.

Clete is survived by his children, Hunter (Shelby) Hudson of Erie, KS, Morgan (Shea) Miller of Louisburg, KS, and Cali Hudson of Chanute, KS, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Hudson Miller, Cale Hudson II, and Harper Hudson. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Chandler (Anderson) Kenny of New Canaan, CT, and Hallie Peavey of Kansas City, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Cale Hudson; mother, Janie Mitchell; grandson, Nash Koester; and uncle, Larry Hudson.

Just as he was committed to protecting and caring for his family, Clete was equally passionate about his role as a “Coach” to many young people in the community. He took great pride in being a supportive presence, always available to listen to anyone in need. Clete believed it was essential for everyone to recognize their potential and feel empowered to achieve it. He significantly impacted the young athletes he coached, the high school football players he supported, and his children's friends he cherished.

Some of his proudest accomplishments include co-founding the Chanute Youth Football Club from 2000 to 2009. CYFC, the first youth tackle league in Chanute, began in 2000 along with Kent Frazell, Dan Haight, Sonny Manley, John Guiot, and Mike Martin, among others. He also served as the Junior Golf Association President at the Chanute Country Club from 1998 to 2003.

Clete was deeply committed to community service and held leadership roles in various organizations. He was a USD 413 School Board member from 2002 to 2010. He was the Neosho Valley Ducks Unlimited Regional Chairman from 1997 to 1999. As Kansas Ducks Unlimited Chairman from 1997 to 1999, he raised over $100,000 in three years and was named Ducks Unlimited Chairman of the Year in 1999, ranking Chanute as the #1 Chapter. He contributed to the ANW Special Education Cooperative Advisory Board from 2007 to 2010 and was a member of the Eastern Kansas Oil and Gas Association in 2011. Clete was actively involved in fundraising for Chanute High School Football and Volleyball from 2007 to 2012 and again in 2018. He coached youth basketball from 2003 to 2006. Along with Junior golf, he served as a Men's Golf Association Board Member at the Chanute Country Club from 1994 to 1997. He also served on the Southeast Kansas American Cancer Society Board from 1989 to 1995 and was Golf and Dinner Chair in 1993. He served on the Chanute Chamber of Commerce Advisory Committee in 2015. He was a member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 806, serving as Exalted Ruler (President) in 2021 and as a trustee and board member in 2016.

Professionally, Clete’s career was marked by success and leadership. He held notable positions at Paradise Liquors, LLC, and Tele-Connect INC, and served as Vice President of Kansas Communications.

Clete will be fondly remembered for his vibrant personality and the warmth he brought into every room he entered. His passion for life is reflected in his hobbies, which included spending quality time with family and friends, playing golf, cheering on the Chiefs, and supporting KU sports. He was a man of many talents and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around him through service and commitment. Chanute has truly lost a remarkable individual whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations.

In honor of Clete, memorials are suggested to the Chanute Youth Football Club and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

A visitation will be held at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave., Chanute, KS 66720, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Good News Center. Burial will follow the service at Shaw Cemetery.