Michael Edward Hudkins

Michael Edward Hudkins, 77, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on January 16, 2025, in the Hospice Unit of Summa Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio. During his time there, Mike was visited by many loved ones, most notably his wife, Candi, who sat lovingly by his side until the day he passed.

Mike was born on February 22, 1947, to Laura and Edward Hudkins, at St. Thomas Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls. Mike grew up in the Falls and became a standout offensive center on state-ranked Black Tiger football teams. After his graduation in 1965, Mike attended the University of Akron, where he earned a football scholarship and studied under legendary Ohio Senator Oliver Ocasek, which stimulated his love of politics. In 1969, while still attending Akron, Mike won the Councilman seat for Ward One in Cuyahoga Falls over multiple more-experienced candidates. In 1970, he resigned his council seat after being drafted into the Army, where he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He immediately received orders to report to Vietnam in 1971, which orders were later rescinded by President Richard Nixon. In 1972, Mike accepted an honorable discharge from the Army, having earned the rank first Lieutenant and a commendation medal for meritorious service. Upon returning home, Mike spent nearly a decade at Ohio Bell, rising to top sales executive and later public relations manager for Northeast Ohio. During his tenure at “Ma Bell,” he worked with and earned the trust of state and federal lawmakers, including the legendary U.S. Congressman John Seiberling.

In 1984, upon prompting by Ohio Senator Vern Cook, Mike began service as Akron’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development under Mayor Tom Sawyer. During his tenure as Deputy Mayor, Akron enjoyed unprecedented job growth, revenue and development, including expansion of the university campus, development of the Knight Convention Center, and saving Goodyear from a hostile takeover attempt. Mayor Sawyer referred to Mike as his “alter ego,” and relied heavily upon Mike both during his successful mayoral tenure and later in getting elected to the U.S. Congress, where he served 8 terms.

While he accomplished much in his professional career, Mike’s greatest joys were with his family. His knowledge, wisdom, and guidance helped further the interests of those close to him, most notably Candi, his best friend, and his children, Devin and Rochelle. Mike experienced more joy in watching his loved one’s successes rather than his own, a sacrifice which creates his legacy as the ultimate family man.

Mike is survived by his best friend and wife of 45 years, Candi; brother, Pat (Susan); sister-in-law, Cindy Zuchegno; children, Devin Oddo (Stephanie Petroff) and Rochelle Oedemann (Ken); and grandchildren, Zachary, Mallory, and Audrey Oddo, and Erin and Ryan Oedemann.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers on 3E and 6W for their kindness, compassion, and wisdom guiding them through the final steps of Mike’s journey.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, January 21,2025, from 5pm to 7pm and on Wednesday, January 22,2025, from 10am to 11am at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. There will be a celebration of life immediately following the visitation on Wednesday.