Brian Andrew Judd
May 3, 1957 - December 7, 2024
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
Brian Judd, age 67, of Lexington, Ohio, passed peacefully on December 7, 2024, at Country Meadow Nursing Center in Bellville, succumbing to brain cancer. He persevered through life's circumstances with the joy and hope he found in his relationship with Christ. Brian recognized and celebrated God's good gifts, big and small, often sharing an encouraging word born out of experience and discovery.
Born on May 3, 1957, to Arthur & Karen (Nielsen) Judd in Columbus, Ohio, Brian was a young child who was curious about everything. According to his mother, he forever asked, "why?". He'd fill his pockets with rocks and other specimens, graduating on to electronic gadgets he found, so he could tear them apart and see how they worked. As a young adult he came to faith in Christ, and graduated from Westerville South High School.
At the strong encouragement of his father, Brian enlisted with the US Army National Guard and served six years with the US Navy on a naval submarine. Brian received an Associate in Science (Electronics) from the University of the State of New York and later a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Multnomah Bible College.
Brian found a fulfilling career in engineering at Gorman Rupp and had fond memories of his coworkers. He especially enjoyed working with kids from Newman and Sherman elementary schools in the Gorman Rupp tutoring program. In retirement, Brian worked part-time as a driver for Catalyst Life Services' Oasis Peer Center.
In 1988, he married Susan Renée Huffman, and together they raised three beloved children—Rebekah, Jon, and Heidi. He was devoted to his wife and children. Brian worshipped and served in Grace Fellowship Church. After Susan’s passing, Brian found joy again in his marriage with Lori (Tucker) Barker in 2024, who was honored to walk with him in his final chapter.
Brian made a point to love and encourage those around him. He was a lover of puns and jokes. He served on the board of the Independent Living Center and was a big fan of area Special Olympics events with his son, Jon. Brian was known for his deep appreciation of the natural world as an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, volunteering at Gorman Nature Center, leading some public hikes around Ohio, and serving as an Admin of the Ohio Naturalist Facebook group.
Brian is preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Renée Judd, and his father, Arthur Judd. He is survived by his wife, Lori Judd; children, Rebekah, Jon, and Heidi; mother, Karen Judd; and sisters, Marilyn Campbell, Diana (Rob) McCue, Laura (Nick) Sajatovic, Amy Barezinsky and Carole Carter; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will remember him fondly.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life honoring Brian on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Grace Fellowship Church, in Mansfield, Ohio. Pastor Matt Godsil will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Games Reach: https://gamesreach.org/ or Tim Tebow Foundation: https://timtebowfoundation.org/
Brian's Celebration of Life service can be viewed on the following platforms:
