Joe W. “Joe Arkansas” Hudspeth

Joe W. Hudspeth (a.k.a. Joe Arkansas) of East Dubuque, IL, a true original and a man who lived life entirely on his own terms, passed away peacefully on July 8, at the age of 86.  Born a soul tuned to nature and a heart full of music, he leaves behind a legacy of grit, laughter and love that won’t be forgotten.  To honor Joe’s life, a private Celebration of Life service will be held.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.  The Tri State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

Joe was born on January 11, 1939, in Marianna, AR, a son to Bedford H. and Brooksey N. Hudspeth.  While he enjoyed life in the south, as a gifted musician he eventually hit the road and toured throughout the mid-west with the Night Beats, a band full of fire and talent that brought people together through rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm.  The stage was his second home and whether he was laying down a groove or backing up a friend, he played with heart and soul.  The band made their way to the Dubuque area when love struck and Joe settled here where he then owned and was the heartbeat of the Townhouse nightclub in East Dubuque where countless stories were told, friendships formed, and songs played late into the night. Years later he gave up the nightclub business to faithfully provide for his family as the Street and Water Supervisor for the city of East Dubuque.  His desire to grace the stage was always present playing often with the likes of Johnny Piper, Timmy Griffin, Ronnie McDonald and Artie Mentz, the areas finest.  He finally finished his music career with the boys in Coaltrain, entertaining many throughout the Dubuque area, where nothing compared to being on stage playing the songs that so many enjoyed.

On May 31, 1997, Joe and Vicki Budde were married and with her two sons, embarked on a wonderful family journey together enjoying the simple things in life, spending all their time together.  As grandchildren came into the picture, they lovingly accepted that role with patience, love and kindness.

Outdoors, he was a skilled bow hunter and fisherman, and his family enjoyed dining on all his kills and catches over the years.  Joe’s passion for golf grew greatly over the last several years and nothing gave him greater joy than hitting the course with his family, making sure to give a lesson or two to the most deserving during each round.  His hobbies didn’t end there, he had a great passion for perfecting anything he decided to try from woodworking projects to cooking new recipes and baking pies.  Joe truly didn’t waste a day.

He didn’t care much for fancy things or big talk.  As a dad he didn’t expect perfection – just effort, a good attitude and respect for others.  If you worked hard, treated people right, and didn’t make excuses, you had his respect.  He raised his kids to be strong and independent and if you were lucky enough to be loved by him, you knew it – maybe not in a lot of words, but in little ways that mattered. 

He didn’t want a fuss, so we’ll honor him the way he would’ve wanted – with stories, laughter and maybe a little pickin’ and grinnin’ ,  In the end, he lived how he wanted, loved who he loved, and did it all with a quiet strength that spoke louder than words ever could.

We will miss Joe – out there in the woods, on the fairway, by the water and in every song that sounds like home.

Those left to cherish the memory of Joe include,

his loving wife of 28 years, Vicki Hudspeth, East Dubuque, IL; his children, Robin (Dreama Perry) Hudspeth, San Antonio, TX, Patti (Jeff) Walz, Peosta, IA, Brian (Bobbie Jo) Hudspeth, Potosi, WI, Justin (Melissa) Reynolds, East Dubuque, IL, and Jordan (Schavone) Reynolds, Dubuque, IA;

his adored grandchildren, Gus Burgmeier, Pete Burgmeier, Hanna (Nolan) Baumhover, Bo Burgmeier, Tanner (Isabelle Freese) Hudspeth, Brooksey (Nicholas) Kluesner, Jayden Reynolds, Liz Reynolds, Lexus Reynolds, Oliver Reynolds, and Ridley Reynolds;

his two great-grandchildren, Bo Baumhover and Vivian Baumhover;

his sister, Rena Sage, Bradenton, FL, his father-in-law, Dale Budde, Dubuque, IA; his sister-in-law, Virginia Hudspeth, Cabot, AR; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph R. Hudspeth; his brother, John Paul Hudspeth; his sister, Bobbie (Rip) Hoopes; his mother-in-law, Marcia Budde; his brother-in-law, Steve Budde; and his best friend, Jim Delaney.

Memorials may be given to the wonderful Hospice of Dubuque, who so lovingly cared for Joe and supported his family along this brief journey. 

Online condolences for Joe’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com