Obituary of Edward Randall Hudson

Fort Worth, Texas – Edward Randall Hudson, Jr, a beloved husband, devoted father and revered grandfather, died from complications due to Alzheimer’s on June 23, 2021.Ed lived a life full of love, friendship, and generous service. His steadfast moral compass and excellent judgment were invaluable to the many people, and organizations, he cared deeply about in both Fort Worth, TX and Aspen, CO. To his grandchildren, he was simply Granddaddy, their go to for any questions about art, physics, geology, or music. Though educated as a lawyer, Ed worked his entire life as an oilman. He was a masterful and renowned collector of contemporary art and Mexican folk art masks. He also loved ranching, physics, and growing world class peonies in his Colorado garden.In 1959, Ed married the love of his life, Ann Frasher Hudson. They were married for 62 years and had two children, Randall and Frasher.Ed loved to travel, particularly with his family, always making time to visit any nearby art galleries and museums. He had a brilliant and creative mind, and was well known for being an exceptionally good dinner party partner.Ed was a passionate snow skier, finally hanging up his skis in his 80th year. When skiing, he never failed to burn just enough calories to justify an apple strudel dessert after lunch at Bonnies on Ajax. He was fond of saying that his most cherished days on the ski mountain were those spent with his children and grandchildren. Though not known for being a team sports fanatic, Ed rarely missed a game which involved any of his children or grandchildren.Ed was born July 24, 1934 in Fort Worth, TX, the first child of Josephine Terrell Smith Hudson and Edward Randall Hudson, Sr. He graduated from Paschal High School, earned a B.A. from the University of Texas, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, earned a J. D. from Harvard Law School, and earned a Ranch Management Degree from Texas Christian University. In 1960, he joined his father and uncle at Hudson & Hudson, an independent oil production company focused on southeastern New Mexico. In 1987, Ed, along with Ann, Randall and Frasher, formed Javelina Partners.Ed gave generously of his time and resources to many non-profit organizations. He served on the board of all of the following institutions: the Kimbell Art Foundation; Burnett Foundation, secretary; Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, former Chairman; Aspen Art Museum, National Committee Founding Co-Chairman; Aspen Institute, Co-Chair Art Committee and Society of Fellows; Aspen Center for Physics; Foundation for Art Preservation in Embassies; The American Council for Cultural Policy; Whitney Museum of American Art, National Committee, former Chair; J. Paul Getty Trust, Museum Management Institute; National Gallery Art, Collectors Committee; University of Texas at Austin, Fine Arts Advisory Council; Mary Couts Burnett Trust, Chairman; Art International; Public Communication Foundation for North Texas; Festival of Two Worlds Foundation (Italy); Fort Worth Zoological Association; Fort Worth Opera Association; Fort Worth Country Day; St. Joseph Hospital Development Foundation; and Radiation & Medical Research Foundation of Southwest.Ed held the following government appointments: United States Information Agency; Cultural Property Advisory Committee, Vice-Chairman; Texas Commission for the Arts and Humanities, Chairman; National Endowment for the Arts, Museum Panel.He was a member of River Crest Country Club, the City Club, the Exchange Club, the Fort Worth Club, the Argyle Club, the Knickerbocker Club and Steeplechase. Edward Hudson, Jr. was loved, and will be missed, by all who knew him.Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Eleanor Leissner Frasher and Francis M. Frasher, Sr. and his brother-in-law, F. Morgan Frasher, Jr. Ed is survived by his wife, Ann Frasher Hudson; son, E. Randall Hudson III and wife Carolyn; daughter, Frasher Hudson Pergande and husband, John; grandchildren, Morgan McK. Pergande and wife Hannah, Edward R. Hudson IV, Graham H. Pergande, Spencer C. Pergande; brother William A. Hudson II and wife, Betty; and nieces, Emily T. Hudson and Terrell A. Ledford.The family wishes to thank Dr. Janice Knebl, Barb Harty and all the caring staff at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care; and Dr. Craig Dearden for his many years of care.