Richard Gerald Gassdorf

Bud was an avid outdoorsman, accomplished hunter of wild game and loved fishing; especially in the company of his daughters, grandsons, and lifelong friends, Bob, Chet, Guy and Kyle.

At the young age of 13, to support his siblings, Bud became highly skilled in horticulture specializing in expert tree trimming and design landscaping. He served three years with the Illinois National Guard and later pursued a sales career with the Singer Corporation and Fuller Brush. Determined to succeed, in 1956 he began his professional career with Central Illinois Public Service (C.I.P.S.) now known as AMREN as a crew truck driver, utility lineman, electrical engineer and after 44 years of service retired as a Right Of Way Agent.

He was predeceased by his son, Richard Lee Gassdorf and wife Wilma.

He is survived by his daughters, Joyce Whitenight (Ted) of Montgomery, Texas and Kathy Welker (Dennis Smith) of Springfield, Illinois. He was richly blessed by seven grandchildren; Angela, Kenny and Bryan (Jennifer) Pihlman, Sean Welker, Amanda Edworthy, Kimberlee (Rob) Drascula and Jacob Gassdorf. His great grandchildren held a special place in his heart and they are, Alec and Anthony Pihlman, Christian Welker, Savannah, Allison and Trevor Edworthy, Tristan, Jensen, and Garratt Drascula, and Hazellyn Gassdorf.

Following services at Metcalf Funeral Directors in Conroe, Texas, Bud’s final resting place will be in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held Sunday June 10, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Monday June 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Metcalf Memorial Chappel.