Albert "Bud" Darran

Bud was born March 11, 1936, in Springfield, the son of Violet and Albert Darran. He married Sharon Ashton on June 18, 1960, in Riverton, IL.

Bud attended Ridgely Grade School, Lanphier High School, and the University of Illinois. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve for 6 ½ years and the Air National Guard for three years. Bud played fastpitch softball for the Air Guard for five years. He worked for Capitol Engraving/Nutronics for 55 years; retiring as President. After retirement, Bud proudly worked for Menard’s and was selected Team Member of the Month in February 2015.

He joined the Anchor Boat Club in 1969 and served as President. Bud played first base for the Anchor Boat Club fastpitch softball team for several years. Bud also coordinated Sports Night at the Anchor Boat Club with legendary professional athletes. He enjoyed being an IHSA officiant for high school swimming for 36 years. Bud was the second person to have reserved box seats for the triple-A Cardinal baseball team at Robin Roberts Stadium. His main love of all sports was the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals. He coached little league and pony league baseball.

Bud was a member of the Elks Club where he became an honorary member, the American Legion, and Sacred Heart Church. He volunteered as president of the Glen-Aire Homeowners Association for four years.

Bud was devoted to his family, God, and his country. His humbleness was his most admirable trait, always rooting for the underdog! May he rest in peace.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Judy Davis and Gloria Shoults.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Darran of Springfield; daughters, Dianne (Todd) Warren of Bloomsburg, PA and Kristen (Mario) Cobiella of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Alex Warren of Pittsburgh, PA, Emily (Brian) Buchanan of Saratoga Springs, NY, Colin Warren of Frisco, TX, Julian Cobiella of Orlando, FL, and Adrian (Elliot) Land of Jacksonville, FL; great-grandchildren, Rowland Cobiella, and Andrew, Chase, and Nolan Buchanan with one great-granddaughter on the way; bonus daughter, Mona Bass; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at St. Katharine Drexel Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 722 S. 12th St., Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. James Isaacson, S.J.C., celebrant.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate Memorials and Tributes, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago IL 60674, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Illinois Chapter, Attn: Memorials and Tributes, 1 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.