Vernon Chester Ludwick

Vernon Chester Ludwick, age 91, of Grants Pass, died Monday, May 19, 2014 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center.

Private services will be held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Hugo Community Church, PO Box 688, Merlin Oregon 97532.

Vernon was born on April 23, 1923 in Hugo, Oregon to Silas & Ida (Baker) Ludwick. He was the youngest of ten children who grew up in the Three Pines/Hugo area north of Grants Pass. He attended Three Pines Elementary School, Hugo High School and in 1941 graduated from Grants Pass High School. After graduating, Vernon joined the United States Marine Corps, serving his country from 1941 to 1945. During the war he played saxophone in the Marine Corps band. After his military discharge he attended San Diego State. He received his Bachelor of Arts and California State Teaching Credential from Humboldt State University in 1958. In 1965 he earned his Master of Arts Degree in Music from San Jose State College.

Music was a big part of Vernon’s life. He played in the high school orchestra and the Marine Corp band and taught music in Arcata, California, Blue Lake, California and in Oregon. He followed his teaching career until his retirement. After retirement, he played classical guitar, piano and violin at many locations, mostly restaurants and retirement communities.

Survivors include a son, Jack Ludwick of Milwaukie, Oregon; a niece, Margaret “Marge” Reddy and husband Bob of Grants Pass, Oregon; his best friend, Lorna Regnart of Grants Pass, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews across the United States.

Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers and six sisters.