Hudson M. Hays, age 77 of Garrett, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born October 29, 1933 in Garrett to Hudson and Bea (Morris) Hays. He served in the US Army from 1956-1962. He worked as a bridge builder on the CSX Railroad for 41 years before retiring in 1993. He married Donna R. Shaw on July 11, 1992 in Garrett and she survives in Garrett. Hudson was a member of the Garrett United Methodist Church and the Garrett Eagles. He is also survived by three daughters and a son in-law; Kathryn Shaw of Fort Wayne, Marsha Shaw of Fort Wayne and Rhonda and Tony Koble of Garrett; brother, Richard Hays of Deland, FL; sisters, Jeanette Jacob of Kendallville and Nancy Treesh of Corunna; grandchildren, Ashlee Koble of Garrett, Tasha (Willie) Jordan of Tampa, FL, and Derek Fleckenstein; great grandchildren, Macyra, Myasija and Hunter Koble. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Hays, sister, Josephine McWilliams and a granddaughter, Chasty Koble. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. with Dr. Scott Shoaff officiating. A military graveside service by the Garrett American Legion and VFW Auxiliary will follow in Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are to The Garrett United Methodist Church, DeKalb Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation.