William Russell Dudman

William (Bill) Russell Dudman passed away on October 20th 2026. He was born on June 3, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Russell and Betty Dudman. Bill grew up in Wilmette, IL, with his loving parents and sister Jane. He attended New Trier High School and enjoyed playing the trombone and musicals. He was active in Boy Scouts and church activities.

Bill attended Stanford University, graduating with a major in history. He was on the wrestling team and a member of Theta Chi. His bachelor’s degree was followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration from CSDH.

Upon graduation, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and went to Officer training at Quantico, VA. After a tour in Okinawa, he married Peggy (Margaret) Smith in 1962 and their 64 year adventure began. Bill served at many duty stations, including Detroit, Camp Lejeune, Long Beach, Camp Pendleton and Vietnam. They raised their two children, David and Nancy Dudman Ellis, in southern California.

During Bill’s last five years on active duty he worked with joint services on GPS and retired in 1980 as a Major and went to work at Hughes Aircraft for 13 years.

Over the years, Bill refereed his children’s soccer games and worked with Boy Scouts. He was a volunteer in elementary schools, a deacon in his church and sang for many years in church choirs. He and Peggy made many mission trips to a Mexican orphanage.

While living in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Bill developed a love of running and ran 27 marathons from Palos Verdes to Washington, D.C.

Bill and Peggy moved to Chico, CA in 1991 and opened a fresh pasta restaurant from 1993-2001. After that, Bill worked parttime for Orchard Supply Hardware for 17 years

After 30 years in Chico, they moved to Eagle, Idaho, and enjoyed the beauty of the area and, most especially, the warmth of the people.

Bill will be remembered for his love of God, his family and his country as well as his friends and co-workers. He was a kind, thoughtful and loving husband and father. He had a great sense of humor, a love for food and a generous spirit. He was well-known for his late-night refrigerator raids and love of ice cream. When asked if he was a Marine, he would always reply, “I am a Marine!”

In addition to his wife and children Bill is survived by his grandson, Bronson, sister-in-law Linda Smith, nieces Laurie Duncan and Lauren Smith; nephews Kenneth Luttrell and Matthew Smith.

A memorial service will be held at Eagle Hills Church, 651 N. Eagle Rd., Eagle, ID, on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception at the Riverstone Community Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagle Hills Church, Free Wheelchair Mission