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LUBBOCK, TX - C. Hudson (Bud) Carper, 81, of Lubbock, passed away on February 6, 2014. Bud was born on August 31, 1932, in Norfolk, VA. He attended Maury High School in Norfolk, VA, served 2 years in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, before attending and graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. After graduation, Bud worked in aviation research and development for General Motors and Boeing Vertol before moving back to the Virginia peninsula in 1963 to work for the Army Aviation Laboratory (AVLABS) until his retirement in 1989. Bud held a variety of positions at AVLABS, including Propulsion Systems Team Leader, Development Aircraft Project Engineer, Chief of Structures Division, and Chief of the Safety and Survivability Division, where he fostered numerous survivability designs for both military and civilian aircraft. He had a top secret security clearance and worked on numerous confidential and sensitive projects. Bud served as an Army aviation consultant to the Science Advisor in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969, and while in Viet Nam, flew numerous helicopter combat missions during the Viet Nam War to further his knowledge and understanding of helicopter survivability. Among the citations Bud received were the National Defense Science Medal, Combat Area Service Pin, and Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He was a private pilot and member of the American Helicopter Association. Survivors include his 3 children, Michael H. Carper of Lubbock, Texas, Steven M. Carper, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Linda M. Laeger of Jarvisburg, North Carolina; five grandchildren: Chelsea Avery, Hudson Butterfield, Cody Laeger, Hudson Carper, and Campbell Carper. Also surviving Bud was his former spouse of 45 years, L. Marie Carper of Williamsburg, Virginia, with whom he maintained a loving and caring relationship even after separation. They would have been married 60 years on October 10, 2014. Bud was preceded in death by his 2 sisters, Jackie Lauderdale of Georgia and June Compsten of Virginia. At the time of his death, Bud was living in Lubbock, Texas, enjoying riding horses and Harleys. He was an avid fitness enthusiast all of his life, having worked out primarily at Bodyworks in Lubbock, where he made close and caring friends. He was a Suicide Hotline volunteer, Tai Chi instructor, and a long time fan of the Lubbock Cotton Kings and Missouri Mavericks minor league hockey teams.
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5 Entries
Sad news about Bud. I worked near Bud for many years, and I played a lot of tennis with him both at Ft. Eustis and the Wellness Center. Bud was one of the nicest guys that I ever met. He will be missed by many.
Bob Bolton
February 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. "Mr. Carper" was my supervisor in the early '80's at AATD, Fort Eustis. He was such a terrific guy.
Debbie Waible
February 11, 2014
To the entire family we send our condolences and will keep you in our prayers. We only knew Buddy for a few years but always felt like we knew him forever. The world will be missing a very kind person. Love to all. The Burris Family
February 11, 2014
My sincere condolences to the entire Carper family. Bud was my Chief of the
Safety and Survivability Devision at AVLABS until my reassignment. Bud continued to be my colleage and frind until his retirement in 1988.
John Shostak
February 10, 2014
Bud was my neighbor for several years, he was always glad to let me use his lawnmower just don't ask him to cut the grass. I am so sorry for your loss.
Miriam Tharpe
February 9, 2014
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