Whataburger is a popular road trip staple, but for Hudson Collins it was an every-day thing.
So when the 94-year-old veteran died, the Tyler, Texas, restaurant honored him in a memorable and respectful way: by writing "RIP Mr. Hudson" on its marquee.
Collins' grandson, Chris, said the restaurant's nod was "a small gesture that means so much to us."
His grandfather ate at the restaurant every morning for 15 years and frequented it for dinner too, he said.
On Veteran's Day, the restaurant no longer accepted Collins' payment for his breakfast. The first meal of the day was going to be on the house, they told him.
He even celebrated his 94th birthday there.
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Collins fought in the Army Air Corps during WWII.
He died on Jan. 22, and his family went to Whataburger after the funeral, which is where they saw the marquee.
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