Francis Wyatt Maddux

Francis Wyatt “Bud” Maddux, 98, of Sugar Land, passed away on Friday, January 8th, 2016. He was born the 7th of 9 children to Francis Wright Maddux and Marlow Maddux on August 14th, 1917, in Barling, Arkansas.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anita McDonald Maddux, as well as all of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Marlaine and Ken White of Sugar Land, his son Wyatt Maddux of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his son Robert Maddux of Sugar Land; his grandchildren, Trainor White and wife Maria, Valerie Thurmond and husband Robert, and Elaine Turner and husband Jim; Great Grandchildren, Harrison and Marlie Turner, Dashiell and Quillan Thurmond, and Maddux and Seraffina White. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bud and Anita met and married in 1939 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Like-minded and down to earth, they led an adventurous life travelling the world together. From touring South Africa to riding motor scooters on the Greek island of Corfu, they embraced every moment. They resided in many places including England and Norway. They eventually settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma to finish raising their children and in 1976, they moved to Houston to be near their grandchildren.

Bud’s entire career was spent in the Pipeline industry, especially underwater pipeline. In the late 40s and early 50s, he and his family lived in and around Maracaibo, Venezuela, while he worked on laying a pipeline under Lake Maracaibo. He went on to work off the coasts of places like Trinidad, Sumatra, Angola, and ultimately spent the last years of his career working on pipelines in the North Sea for Brown & Root.

After retiring, Bud was determined to stay fit and healthy. He kept busy with the family and also took occasional hunting and fishing forays with good friends. He has worked with a personal trainer, Dr. Pat Hayden, for the past 15+ years, and only stopped recently due to a serious injury. The family would like to thank Pat for his constant motivation and devotion to Bud. The family would also like to thank his housekeeper, Esther Rosette for her loyal service. Last, they would like to thank the staff and caretakers at Colonial Oaks Assisted Living in Sugar Land where Bud spent his final months.

Bud was well loved and known for his easygoing personality. He always enjoyed whatever he was doing, "Just like the farmer's little duck" as he liked to say. He found great enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life including a good meal, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, a classic movie western or dancing a waltz. He felt pure joy when observing nature and the animal world. He was a dog lover and always had one by his side until he could no longer care for them. Bud was happiest of all when with his large family and watching the younger ones discover the world.

The last of his generation, Bud meant the world to his family. His straight talk, easy ways and natural wisdom all contribute to the legacy of love he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 15, 2016 at The Settegast-Kopf Company Funeral Directors at Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478.