Ed was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Max and Agnes Budde. Ed attended Denby High School where he met his high school sweetheart and beautiful wife of 65 years, Carolyn. He attended Michigan State University where he played football and obtained a degree in physical education.
Ed was drafted in 1963 with the 4th pick in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles and also was drafted with the 8th pick in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Ed selected to play for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played his entire 14 year career with the Chiefs as the starting left offensive guard. Ed played in the first ever Super Bowl and was a world Champion in Super Bowl IV. In the first nine seasons of his career, he never missed a game. Ed earned recognition as an All-Star, a Pro-Bowler and a Super Bowl Champion. After his playing career, Ed remained connected to the Chiefs organization and was a founding member of the Kansas City Ambassadors. Ed was also the President of the NFL Alumni KC chapter raising money for local charities for 40 years.
Ed has been inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, Michigan State College Hall of Fame, Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Ed was also voted to the All-Time AFL Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also was the associated Press Player of the week in 1968 (first time a lineman had ever received such an honor in either league.)
Ed and his wife Carolyn stayed in Kansas City after Ed’s retirement from the Chiefs. He was well-loved in the Kansas City community and the passion he had for family, his community and the Kansas City Chiefs was indisputable.
He was a great husband, father and friend to many. He will be missed by so many and greatly missed by his children: Brad Budde (Nicky), Tionne Budde Ellegard (Eric), John Budde (Michaela), grandchildren: Sasha Crowley (Sean), Beau Budde (Annette), Kyle Budde Kleiboeker, Tre Ellegard, Dakota Budde and Madison Budde, great-grandchildren: Maximus Crowley, Azure Crowley, Beau Budde and Thiago Budde.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in honor of Ed Budde to the “Caring for Kids” Network at https://www.caringforkidskc.org
A Visitation for Edward will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home,10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
