Tilden John Ludwig Jr.

Tilden John "Sonny" Ludwig, Jr. age 84, of China Spring, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Pastor Jeff Bradburn officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Moore Cemetery near Chalk Bluff.

Sonny was born September 9, 1942, in Rosebud, the son of Tilden and Lena (Mueller) Ludwig. On April 7, 1961, he married Carol Elaine Poteet, beginning a life together that would be filled with family, hard work, and plenty of time outdoors. Sonny proudly served his country with the United States Army for four years and was a member of the American Legion Post #121 in Elm Mott. He spent his working years as a carpenter and cabinet maker, a job that suited him well. Sonny was a hands on kind of man who knew how to work hard, fix things, and take care of whatever needed to be taken care of. He did not mind the hard or sometimes not so glamorous parts of life. If something needed doing, Sonny was the kind of person who simply got to work and did it. He especially enjoyed being outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, or just getting outside were some of his favorite ways to spend his time. But the things he enjoyed most were the people he shared those moments with. Sonny loved his family and especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether they were out doing something together or simply spending time around each other, those were the moments he treasured. Sonny lived a hardworking, simple life and found a lot of enjoyment in the everyday things, working with his hands, being outdoors, and most of all, being around his family. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him and remembered for the many little ways he was always there for the people who mattered to him.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Edward, Raymond, and Jodie Ludwig.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Carol of China Spring; sons, Roger Ludwig and wife Linda of Lacy Lakeview, and Rodney Ludwig and wife Debbie of Chalk Bluff; grandchildren, Amber Ludwig, Brandy and Charles Coleman, Roger "Bubba" and Christina Ludwig, Meagan and Justin Perry, Corey Tilden and Shelby Ludwig, and James and Kristin Welch; great-grandchildren, Harley Case, Haylee McFarlan, McKenzie Ramirez, Gabriella Ramirez, Kaitlyn Ludwig, Kaisley Jo Perry, Darcy Elaine Perry, Tilden Ludwig, and one on the way, Keller Perry; brother, Kenneth Ludwig and wife Dorothy; sister, Wanda Buro; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Veterans Honor Guard.