On August 23, 2024, Phillip (Doc) Hudgens, DVM passed away in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 82. He was born on March 15, 1942 in Anthony, Kansas. After graduating from Anthony High School in 1960, he went into the US Navy as a Medical Corpsman. While in the Navy, he attended the Navy Pharmacy School and worked in the pharmacy. After leaving the Navy, he worked in the Cox Coronary Heart Research Institute as a pre-med student. He then attended Ohio State University as a veterinary student, graduating in 1975. In 1976, he joined Dr. Twiehaus at Countryside Animal Clinic. In 1985 he purchased the practice and worked as a veterinarian in Kansas City, Missouri until 2019 when he moved to Florida to “retire.” While in Florida, he worked as a relief veterinarian part time while enjoying the “liquid sunshine.”
Phil loved to golf and spent many years golfing with his friends. His passion for animals was apparent in his practice as well as the numerous animals he cared for in his home. He would never turn down an animal that needed care. He was generous to his family and friends, and loved to spoil the ones he cared for.
He is survived by his daughter Danielle (Hudgens) Bourbina, and son-in-law Matthew Bourbina, three sisters Amelia (Hudgens) Slaughter, Sarah (Hudgens) White, Maurita (Hudgens) Fox, and brother-in-law Malcolm White. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Hudgens and Dorothy (Headberg) Hudgens, and his brother in law, Richard Slaughter.
In lieu of a service and flowers please consider a donation to Wayside Waifs, a no kill animal shelter in Kansas City. Being a prominent veterinarian in the Kansas City area for over 44 years, he would prefer the money spent on animals. Please consider loving on the animals who need it most by calling 816-761-8151 or online at https://waysidewaifs.org/ under the donate tab.
Dr. Hudgens was a special friend and veterinarian to our family. He cared for my family’s bassett hounds for many years with TLC. He was also a friend to our family and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. God bless.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace during this difficult time. May fond memories bring you comfort. Blessings.
Danielle and I grew up together as two only children. Phil used to make us homemade milkshakes to drink in the pool as kids. He took great care of our family dogs growing up. He really cared about animals. When my husband and I found a sick, stray little kitten, Phil did surgery on her eye and found her a good home.