Tillman "Bud" Sylvester Maley

Tillman “Bud” Maley, 85, was surrounded by his wife, daughters, and family as he entered through the gates of Heaven, hand-in-hand with Jesus, at 2:54 pm, on March 24, 2021. Bud’s desire to see Jesus face-to-face was fulfilled.

He was born to Almond and Rachel Maley on August 16, 1935, in Gypsy, West Virginia. Bud married his beautiful wife and sweetheart, Joyce Jane, on June 22, 1956, in Canon City, Colorado, and they celebrated over 64 precious years together. They were blessed with two children.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ellen Mae Dyer. Bud is survived by his wife Joyce; his daughters Connie Sjogren of Colorado Springs, and Susanne Maley-Logan of Cocoa, FL; Grandchildren Zachary Sjogren; Nikki (Brian) Grablin, Sara (Benji) Barela, Shanna Logan (Mike Peck), Seth Logan (Natalie Bordan), Summer (Tyler) Chewning; Great-grandchildren Karson Sjogren; Jaxon, Mason, and Aubri Grablin. He is survived by his sister Betty Jane Powell, Fair Haven, MI. Also, his precious little dog and furry friend, Buster, whom Bud loved immensely.

Bud graduated from East Detroit High School in June 1956. After a few different jobs, he was hired as a conductor/brakeman by the Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad on April 16, 1969. He was highly respected and looked up to by all that knew him in his profession as well as being a great mentor, coworker, and friend. He simply loved trains and all the different routes telling so many amazing stories. The sound of a train was sweet music to his ears. Bud rescued many animals on his mountain route and helped save several people’s lives throughout the years. He retired on February 14, 1992.

He was an avid lover of the outdoors that included hunting and fishing with more stories to tell than one could imagine. He was quite the expert ice fisherman and taught many other fishing friends his great tips and secrets that he actually learned from Joyce. There was nothing Bud enjoyed more than fishing and sharing all his fantastic experiences with anyone. He also took great pleasure in beautifying his yard and it was gorgeous.

Bud had an unshakeable, solid-rock faith in God that came from many generations of a precious Christian heritage. Bud loved and treasured Joyce, Connie, and Susie, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They all brought him great joy; life was always a fun party, and he always wanted them to be near. Bud dearly loved his church family and especially Pastor Jim Murray, as the son he never had. Every Sunday he came to church with a big bowl of candy to pass out and was known as the Candy Man. He was one of the kindest and friendliest souls anyone could have ever met; no one was ever a stranger. Bud left an unforgettable legacy of love intertwined with the love of Jesus!

He will be greatly missed!