Donald M. Hudnutt

Donald M. Hudnutt, 84, of Des Moines and formerly of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 at the Trinity Center of Lutheran Park in Des Moines.
Don was born on May 23, 1930, on the family farm south of Grinnell to Elmer and Margaret Jane McKeag Hudnutt. He was raised on the family farm, attended rural school and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1948. Following his education he worked for the Grinnell School System as a bus driver. From 1950 to 1954, he served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
On May 16, 1951, he was married to Elizabeth "Betty" Kaisand in Grinnell. The couple farmed near Newton and later moved to a farm south of Grinnell. He received a 50-year Farm Service Award and an award for Conservation Excellence. Besides operating his farm, he also managed the office of Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs for 15 years.
He was a charter member of Grinnell American Legion Focht-Tennant Post 53, where he served as commander and post commander. He also served as vice commander of the 5th District of the American Legion and the Grinnell Veterans Ceremonial Unit. In 1994, he received the Val Likens Award.