Congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees!

Carl Hudson, Jr.

Paxton High School, Class of 1960

Carl Hudson Jr. is a member of the Paxton Community High School graduating class of 1960. After graduating high school, Carl went on to complete his Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1965. Carl has since made significant contributions in his career and in the Paxton community. These accomplishments include owning Hudson Drug Shop from 1975 -2007, which became one of the first pharmacies to become computerized in the 1980’s. Carl spent several years teaching American Red Cross courses in several Ford County communities and has served on the Board of Directors for the Paxton Community Hospital, before it’s closing, and the Gibson Area Hospital Board of Directors, totalling 49 years of service. In addition, Carl has been an elected trustee of the Paxton Area Fire Protection District and has served in this role for thirty-six years. Furthermore, he has made contributions to various community organizations and boards including the Ford County Mental Health Board, Paxton Chamber of Commerce, Founding Member of the PBL School Education Foundation, Cunningham Children’s Home Foundation Board, in addition to several others. He was a finalist for the national Next Generation Pharmacist Civic Leader of the Year in 2010 and a recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia Community Service Award through the Illinois Pharmacists Association. He also founded and coached the Paxton Swedes, an E.I. League baseball team. Carl Hudson Jr. has significantly impacted the Paxton and surrounding communities through his extensive involvement, investment, leadership, and innovative ideas.

Paul Meuser

Paxton High School, Class of 1972

Paul Meuser is a graduate of the Paxton High School Class of 1972. Paul has held the title of Head Boys Basketball Coach at various high schools in Oklahoma. Under his leadership, Paul has coached 13 state teams, produced 12 all-state players, and 2 Oklahoma Players of the Year. In addition to these honors, Paul has over 40 years in education, 37 of which as a Head Basketball Coach, and 3 years as an Athletic Director. He has made a positive impact on thousands of students and hundreds of athletes and has come full circle back to his roots at PBL. Paul now lives in Paxton and is married to his childhood sweetheart, the former Cindy Custer.

During his career, Paul Meuser has achieved the following awards and honors:

  • Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee: 2012
  • Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee: 2015
  • Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year: 1986, 1989
  • Tulsa World Coach of the Year: 1989
  • Daily Oklahoma Coach of the Year: 1986
  • Oklahoma All State Coach: 1986
  • 4-Time State Champion Coach: 1982, 1986, 1989, 1991
  • 3-Time Academic State Champions in Boy’s Basketball: 2012, 2015, 2016
  • Over 600 career wins