A light in the City of Paducah dimmed significantly on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with the passing of Sergeant Ryan Keith Hudson, a member of the Paducah Police Department. Ryan served with the department for 10 years.
Ryan, a humble man, was a true servant, committed to whatever endeavor he pursued. His coworkers describe him as a man who served with relentless drive and compassion. He seemed to carry the weight of the job on his shoulders as if the bereaved were family members. Ryan treated everyone equally and gave intentional focus to others, because he wanted them to feel valued.
He gave his life to Christ at an early age. He didn’t just attend church, he was involved. As a member of Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church, he served as part of the choir, the male chorus, and worked security. He was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Ryan set the standard as a husband, a father, and a son, and did everything he could do to show them how much he cared. He loved spending time with his family because his wife and two daughters were the highlight of his life. One his favorite pastimes was music. He was a perfectionist when it came to playing or singing the right note, chord, or tune.
After graduating from Paducah Tilghman High School, Ryan acquired a Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. His lifelong dream was to become a police officer. It was that profession where he felt he could be of the most service to mankind. During his tenure with Paducah Police, he received a total of seven Service Commendations (2016 -2; 2017, 2020 -3, 2023); the Chief’s Award (2021); and the Safe Driving Award (2023) for five years of safe driving.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Oliver and Ethel Parks, his paternal grandparents, Allen and Vyice Hudson, and his grandfather, William Wells.
Left behind to cherish precious and loving memories of Ryan are his Loving Wife, Whitney Redd Hudson; his Two Daughters, Ayanna and Laila; his Parents, Reverend Dr. James L. Hudson and Janice Parks Hudson, all of Paducah, KY; Two Brothers, Phillip (Ericka) Hudson of Paducah, KY and Troy (Holly) Caldwell of Chicago, IL; Two Sisters-in-Law, Heather Redd of Paducah, KY and Stephanie (Ivan) Davis of Atlanta, GA; a Nephew, Sharras Caldwell; a Niece, Carter Caldwell, both of Chicago, IL; his Grandmother, Jacqueline Wells of Kankakee, IL; his Mother-in-Law, Amanda Anderson of Paducah, KY; Fathers-in-Law, Jon (Annette) Redd of Mayfield, KY, and Rodney Anderson of Paducah, KY; several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends, and fellow Officers of the Paducah Police Department.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Heartland Worship Center 4777 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah. KY with Reverend Dr. K. Edward Copeland, Senior Pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Rockford, IL and Reverend Lamar Classberry, Pastor of Rushing Spring Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL officiating. Entombment will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Paducah Tilghman High School Gymnasium 2400 Washington Street Paducah, KY.
The services will be live streamed on Saturday at 10:45 A.M. on the Paducah Police Department Kentucky Facebook Page.
You may light a candle or leave online condolneces pettusrowlanfh.com.
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