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Tony Hudler Jr. '52 December 15, 2017 8:48 AM updated: December 15, 2017 8:52 AM

Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home obituary
208 W. Pearl Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
(979) 968-3121

Tony D. Hudler, Jr.
January 4, 1930 - December 11, 2017

Tony D. Hudler, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2017.

Tony was born in Houston, Texas on January 4th, 1930, the son of Tony D. Hudler, Sr. and Dorothy Moye Hudler.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Florence Ruth (Michalk) Hudler; his children: Tony (Skip) D. Hudler, III (wife, Carlotta); Cynthia A. Hudler (husband, Jim Fitzgerald); Michael S. Hudler (wife, Andrea) and Andrew J. Hudler; brother Thomas J. Hudler; grandson, Ethan Hudler and granddaughters, Keara Hudler, Jennifer Hudler and Sarah Hudler and one cousin, Stephen H. Houston (wife, Jan).

Tony also leaves behind his two beloved dogs, Misty and Snipper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John S. Hudler and cousin, James B. Houston.

Tony attended public school in Houston, Texas and graduated from Lamar High School in 1948. He entered Texas A&M University in September of 1948 and earned his BBA in the Class of 1952. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he joined International Paper Company as a sales trainee. He advanced through the ranks to become Plant Manager of the Company’s Edinburg, Texas Shipping Container Plant. During his time with IPCO he received numerous rewards for developing new containers and packaging equipment. He was awarded Fibre Box Association recognition for helping develop shipping containers for vegetables, melons and many other products. One of his favorite business accomplishments was opening the Mexican market for boxes manufactured in and shipped from the United States into Mexico. He and his close friend Hector Guevara, working together in 1968, had sales to Mexico that amounted to 35% of the Edinburg plant’s business.

Tony left IPCO after almost 20 years of service and started Valley Corrugated Box Company with several partners. This plant offered the the first wax dipped shipping containers to Valley produce shippers. After several years of operation Valley Corrugated was sold to Weyerhaeuser Company. Tony and several partners then started his next entrepreneurial venture, ValMex Fruit Company. This company grew to become one of the largest US importers of Mexican and Central American fruit and vegetables. ValMex opened a number of new export areas and was one of the first grower / shipper companies to operate year round as an importer on the US/Mexican border.

Tony’s business successes were many but he treasured his family above all else. His beautiful wife, Florence and his beloved children were his most valued treasures. Watching his children grow and develop into outstanding and productive adults was his life’s greatest reward. He also counted in his blessings four wonderful grandchildren and many furry children.

Tony also wanted to mention how much he enjoyed his weekly telephone visits with his younger brother, Tom. These calls were filled with talk of Texas A & M football and reminiscing about family and their early years together.

Tony was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Texas A & M Association of Former Students and Century Club.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 16th, 2017 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in La Grange, Texas at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 16th, 2017 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 800 N. Franklin Street, La Grange, Texas. Burial will follow at La Grange City Cemetery, 100 S. Lester, La Grange, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Houston Humane Society, P. O. Box 450528, Houston, TX 77245 (www.houstonhumane.org).

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.


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