Harlan Paul (Bud) O'Connor, Jr. completed his job on earth on April 5, 2021. He was born in Indianapolis to Mary Louise and Harlan O'Connor on March 16, 1927. He was a 1949 graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he played euphonium in the marching band.
Bud was an entrepreneur, inventor, story teller and loved a travel adventure, all of which led him to be flying back to Indianapolis with a friend one night in 1952 when their small plane crash landed in a field in Crawfordsville. That experience motivated him to propose to, marry, have nine children, and spend the next 65 years with his wife Joan, the true love of his life.
Bud's life was full of love, fun, travel and many fine long lasting friendships. Joan and his sons Joseph and Gregory preceded Bud in death. He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by their children Catherine (Doug Hightshue), John (Jennifer), Janet Peavler, Matthew (Bif Ward), Jim (Cindy), Jean Monroe (Sam) and Paul, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our family is grateful to all of the friends and caregivers at Hoosier Village who helped make both our parents' later lives comfortable and happy, especially our friend Chris Davis with AseraCare Hospice.
Bud loved good music. He participated in choirs and singing groups throughout his life including the Columbians, various Catholic church choirs, the Classmates '45 and the Hoosier Village choir. He was a founding member of the Indianapolis Catholic Choir. We hope that you will celebrate Bud's life by singing a song that makes you smile and doing something kind for someone less fortunate. In addition, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Bud's memory may be made to Gibault Children's Services, The Little Sisters of the Poor or your favorite charity.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 16th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with calling one hour prior.
To share a memory please visit www.leppertmortuary.com
