James Linwood Creech

Born on April 17, 1927, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Bud was the son of David Tiberius Creech and Clara Lee Wiggins Creech. Known as “Buddy” throughout his childhood and simply “Bud” for the remainder of his life, he was a man of boundless curiosity, remarkable generosity, and a gift for making everyone feel like an old friend.

When Bud was just fourteen years old, he lost his beloved mother. During the difficult years that followed, while continuing his education, he helped his father keep the family going during the Great Depression in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they moved as his Dad looked for work; Bud tended chickens and cattle, helped operate the family’s small motel, and eventually worked beside his father as a mechanic at Creech Radiator Service in Kingsport, TN. Those early experiences shaped the strong work ethic, resilience, and compassion that defined his life. They also strengthened the close bond he shared with his sister, Ruby.

Summers during his youth were spent working on an uncle’s large scale farming operation in North Carolina, where he developed an appreciation for honest work that stayed with him throughout his life.

Bud proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Trained as a diesel locomotive mechanic, his aptitude soon led him to become an instructor, preparing fellow soldiers before their deployment overseas.

Shortly after leaving military service, he met Rubye Taylor in Kingsport, Tennessee. They married, and moved to Indiana, where, thanks to the GI Bill, Bud earned an engineering degree from Indiana Technical College in 1957. Bud and Rubye together raised two daughters while Bud began a long and successful career as a mechanical engineer with Public Service Indiana, living in Terre Haute, Vincennes, and Plainfield Indiana and managing the electric generating station in Edwardsport, before becoming the manager of technical training at the company headquarters.

For twenty years, Bud was an active member of the Methodist Church, serving as a Methodist Youth Fellowship leader in Plainfield and investing his time in mentoring young people.

Although engineering was his profession, understanding how things worked was truly his passion. Family and friends knew that if something was broken, Bud could fix it. Better yet, he would happily explain exactly how it worked—usually providing several carefully drawn diagrams and sketches. He believed knowledge was meant to be shared, and he gave both his time and expertise freely.

Retirement from Public Service of Indiana simply opened the door to new adventures. Bud continued working in electrical utility consulting, real estate, and later in the health and wellness industry. He remained endlessly curious and productive throughout his life.

In 1986, Bud married Carole Beckham, beginning a wonderful partnership that spanned forty years. Together they shared many adventures, as well as a love for Shetland Sheepdogs; he and Carole along with a few other inaugural members, helped found Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana, an organization that continues today and has rescued and rehomed countless Shelties over more than three decades.

Among all the dogs they loved, Ziggy held a special place in Bud’s heart. During one frightening asthma attack, Ziggy sensed something was terribly wrong, ran to wake Carole, and helped summon the assistance that ultimately saved Bud’s life. It became one of the family’s favorite reminders that loyalty sometimes comes on four legs.

Bud’s interests were wonderfully varied. He loved vintage automobiles and delighted in building detailed scale models of many of the vehicles he had owned through the years. His favorite was a special-edition AMC “The Machine,” a treasured gift from his father that always held a special place in his heart.

An armchair genealogist, Bud enjoyed following his family’s roots all the way back to the Scottish Highlands of the 1600s, in Fife Scotland, where the originating family surname was “Creich” (meaning hill). He also remained active well into his nineties. Affectionately known by family as the “Energizer Bunny,” he enthusiastically accompanied Carole on a birthday tour of England at age 92, keeping pace with—and often outpacing—travelers decades younger.

Bud was active in Freemasonry for many years as a member of Vincennes Lodge No. 1, becoming a 32° Mason. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the American Legion Post 155.

Above all else, Bud will be remembered for his kindness. He never met a stranger. Whether speaking with a neighbor, a cashier, or someone he’d just encountered, he had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen and valued. He possessed a generous heart, an inquisitive mind, and a delightful sense of humor. Unknown gadgets were simply “yerkers.” His coffee was always ordered “black and continuous.” And when someone accomplished something truly remarkable, Bud’s highest compliment was, “Angels could do no more”.

He is survived by his devoted wife of forty years, Carole Beckham Creech; his daughters, Lisa Creech Smith and her husband Peter, and Lin Creech DiRenzo and her husband Richard; his grandchildren, Elizabeth DiRenzo Ezzi and her husband Taylor, and Nathaniel DiRenzo; his half-sister, Janette Creech Williams and her husband Robert; his nephew, Robbie Williams; his niece, Carolyn Robertson and her husband Larry and family; his nephew, James Stapleton and his wife Vicky and family; along with many extended family members, treasured friends, and countless people whose lives were enriched by his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Tiberius Creech and Clara Lee Wiggins Creech; his former wife Rubye Taylor Creech, his sister, Ruby Creech Stapleton, and her husband, Henry; and his sister-in-law, Linda Heckman.

Bud will be laid to rest with military honors at Crown Hill National Military Cemetery in Indianapolis at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Leppert Mortuary in Carmel, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to share memories, leave condolences, and receive service updates through the funeral home’s online obituary at www.leppertmortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Wounded Warrior Project” or to “Habitat for Humanity” two causes that reflected Bud’s lifelong love of country and compassion for his fellow humans.

To those who knew and loved him, Bud leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves lessons in kindness, curiosity, generosity, and perseverance. He showed that life is measured not by what one owns, but by what one builds, what one shares, and how one treats others. Well done Bud Creech. Angels could do no more.