Darden Hudgins, 78, of Mathews, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Darden was born Jan. 19, 1938. He began working on various boats when he was 15 years old, but began working for NMU on the Texaco Mississippi as a merchant seaman in 1962 until the ship was retired. He continued to work on different ships, including a Toyota vehicle transport ship, until he retired in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Clifton and Virginia Hudgins. He is survived by his three daughters, Amy Cottee (John), Bonnie Sandahl (Craig), and Kristi Hunt (Jesse); his grandchildren, Cody, Jacob, Alana, Ashley, Jack, Casey, Kadyn, Luke, and his great-grandson, Cash. He leaves behind his brother, Clifton Hudgins of Alexandria. He is also survived by Kay Hogge. Though they divorced in 1981, they remained friends and she was devoted to assisting in his care and was present with their daughters when he passed.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 3 p.m. at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews; burial followed at Christ Church Cemetery, Mathews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mathews Vol. Rescue Squad.