Bud graduated from Luling High School where he enjoyed all sports and “lettered” in four different areas. After a semester at Texas A&I University, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. After an Honorable Discharge, he continued his education at Texas State University and graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Math. He also attended the South Texas School of Law in Houston.
Bud retired as a Chemical Consultant from Baker Hughes Corporation. Upon retirement, he purchased a large motor home in which his adored wife, Sarah, and he traveled extensively for several years throughout the United States. They also traveled and cruised to and through many other countries. They especially enjoyed Eastern Europe, Russia and the British Isles. He also immensely enjoyed the game of golf and was the recipient of many trophies; continuing to play for as long as he was able.
Bud will be remembered for his love of his family, church, hunting, fishing and golfing that he shared with his friends. He loved and appreciated his special friends in the Breakfast/Coffee Club. They were a network, “brotherly” assisting each other in recommending professionals whether it was a plumber, air conditioner or medical specialist. He served on numerous committees for the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where he was a devoted member since 1970. He was an active member of the Triangle Class, Friendship Class and participated in the Emmaus Community.
Bud was a survivor of leukemia and most recently a stroke, and never once asked “Why me, Lord?” Known for his warm personality and tender heart, he was passionately dedicated to the American Cancer Society where he drove cancer patients to and from their treatments for as long as his health allowed him.
Bud was a very loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was respected for his honesty, extraordinary wit, humor, joke telling and zeal for life. As a father, he taught his sons to fish, hunt, play ball and most importantly, to take responsibility and strive for excellence with integrity. We are blessed that he will continue to live on through the lives of the people he touched.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Sr., and Ethel Merritt; his brother, Carter, and sister, Betty Jo. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of 62 years; sons, Scott (Teresa) and John (Rondell); grandchildren, Grayson, Britton, and Zane; sister, Sara Beth (Jim) White; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Denniston, Ruth Boyd, Carolyn Casteel, Gloria (Rosamond) Tyler; and brother-in-law, Nathan Biggs, Jr. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He particularly appreciated his niece, Barbara Moretich and husband Jim, who always showed their generosity, love and assistance to him.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the following medical professionals: Dr. Rob Webster, Dr. Rob May, Dr. Mike Rodriguez, and Dr. Michael Nash, the Drs and staff at Post-Acute Medical Hospital, nurses from A-Med Home Health, and friends for their support during this time of mourning.
Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd., 78415 on August 28, from 12:30 PM to 1 PM with a service celebrating his life following (officiated by St. Luke’s pastor, Dr. Brad DeHaven). Interment will be held following the Graveside Service.
A reception will be held at St Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3151 Reid Dr., 78404 following the service.
Memorial gifts may be made to St Luke’s United Methodist Church at www.slumccorpuschristi.org/services/giving/.
Truly, it is said, “That to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Our beloved husband/father/grandfather is not dead but lives and serves. His life, his example and his deeds live on in the spirit of all who knew him!
