A Celebration of Life for Bud Nation, 89, Lawrence, will be at 10:30 am Wednesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 27th & Lawrence Ave. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
Oscar C. “Bud” Nation was born on July 15, 1925, the seventh child of William and Pearl Nation. He grew up within four miles of Gore, Oklahoma on farms in that area. He attended a rural school named ‘Bailey’ later changed to Cedar Creek. He graduated from Gore High School and attended Kansas University.
He entered the Air Force and served at the 20th Air Force Headquarters on Guam and later transitioned to the 15th Air Force at Smoky Hill AFB in Salina, Kansas. He married Helen Wegner on September 26, 1948 at Great Bend, Kansas. He and Helen had three children, Debra, Barbara, and David. Debra presented them six grandchildren: Andrew Herren, Nathaniel Herren, Susannah Herren, Rebecca Herren, Laura Schmidt and Matthew Schmidt. Andrew & Kristin Herren presented two great-grandchildren, Adessa & Tylis. Susannah Carnegie presented five great-grandchildren, Malik, Rorie, Ariella, Zechariah, and Gabriella. Rebecca & John Carr presented three great-grandchildren, Jack, Ever, and Sun. Laura & David Friedberg presented great-grandchild Annistyn. Matthew & Alexandra Schmidt presented great-grandchild Gabriella. He was also survived by two sons-in-law, Tim Schmidt and Bruce Jackson.
Bud retired from Farmland Industries after more than 32 years of employment as the paymaster, which he greatly enjoyed. He enjoyed many years serving at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lawrence as an officer and teacher. He held many offices in the Lutheran Laymen’s League at local, zone and district level. Bud was elected as president of the Kansas District Lutheran Laymen’s League on the same day as his own father was called to his eternal home in 1968.
He enjoyed announcing horse shows and held many roles in equestrian circles. He loved working with the children of the local Trail Riders Club. He enjoyed writing poems about his friends and relatives, short stories, and family genealogy along with the histories of the Douglas County Trailriders Club and the (former) Farmland Nitrogen Plant.
Bud coached little league baseball in the DCABA and Holcomb leagues, Sunflower Soccer and premier leagues. He once said he never met a child that he didn’t like, and was overjoyed when they began to call him “Grandpa”.
Bud would like to be remembered for the love of his Savior and his family, and by all of the many people in Church, Lutheran Laymen’s League, Equine world, and the boys and girls he coached in the many sports.
Bud was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. He says “Send no flowers for me for I won’t see them. Shed no tears for me, for I like smiles better. Do not tell me goodbye, but rather so long and plan to be with me later in Heaven.” He is overjoyed to be at last called HOME, to a place he longed for, for many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lutheran Hour Ministries, in care of Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2700 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence, KS, 66047.
My uncle Bud was so much closer than an uncle. I had no brothers & sisters so Bud was a big brother. He was so wonderful to me. He knows I loved him so & am looking forward to seeing him in heaven. John & I wanted to go to the memorial service but due to health reasons we canot go. Helen, when we get better we will come to see you. I have so Many good memories of so much fun we had. Our prayers will be with you tomorrow, Helen. We love you
To Aunt Helen and family, you have my family’s deepest sympathy and prayers. Uncle Oscar was a very fine man and will be greatly missed. He lived a very full and happy life. Dad talked about him a lot this past year. I am so sorry that we cannot be there with you, and I know that it really bothers dad. We will be there in thought. Brian
My condolences to the family. My father, Ken Mitchell, worked with Bud at Farmland Industries for many years. They both had high opinions of each other. I was lucky enough to work in the same office building as Bud and he always had kind words and bits of wisdom to pass on. Mike Mitchell
Bud was a great person to talk to when I would see him at Dillons. I will miss him.
Bud and Frank Case are in my memories of good times at the horse shows when all of my family was active in KSHSC. There aren’t a lot of people as good as Bud and we are richer for having known him.
Most of my memories at Douglas County Trail Riders Bud is always in them. He always called us “his kids.” I am so glad that he was able to attend the 60th anniversary party at the club last month and say the blessing—as only Bud could do! He will be Greatly missed! We all loved him! Sharon
I am thinking of Bud today, and how he touched my life. He was a true friend along with his family. He loved me and Sam and loved to watch us perform. I am glad he is not suffering, he deserves to rest in peace. And I am sure is doing just that with us Lord an Savior.
I’m sorry to hear of Buds passing. I remember the good times when I was riding in the circuit years ago. He was announcer for all the horse shows,and enjoyed him so much! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
To Helen and the rest of the family. I was saddened, but not surprised, when Peggy called me this morning to let me know of Bud’s passing. We spent many enjoyable hours in the announcer’s booth at horse shows and with Trail Riders activities. I suspect he and Frank Case are organizing a new horse show by now!! Know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sam