Albert Neal Pike

Albert (Bud) Pike, of Universal City, Texas died on Monday, February 5, 2024, at NE Methodist Hospital. Albert was born on April 29, 1930, in Boonville, Indiana. The family moved to Fort Branch, Indiana. He attended Fort Branch Marietta Elementary School and Fort Branch High School. On October 4, 1947, he married Rheba Mellinger, from Princeton, Indiana and together they had three children; John, Constance, and Philip. Rheba died on August 29, 2011, after 63 years of marriage.

Albert served in the United States Army as an Infantry Sergeant Major, retiring in August 1969. He was a Paratrooper, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, 11th Airborne Division, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, and 1st Infantry Division. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Glider Badge, and many other metals and awards. After retiring from the military, he worked for the Federal Civil Service in Information Technology, retiring after 24 years.

When fully retired, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and playing his bagpipes. He played with two bagpipe bands. He played the bagpipes for a number of years for the Homeless Military Veterans Funerals at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Albert is survived by his son, Philip, and his daughter, Constance. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rheba, and son, John. He has five granddaughters, four great-grandsons, six great-granddaughters, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Memorial donations may be made in Albert's name to the Alzafar Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 901 Loop 1604 W. San Antonio, Texas 78232-1040.