Vernon Ray "Bud" Reinhardt

1945 - 2026

Vernon Ray “Bud” Reinhardt, age 81 of Waddell, Arizona, went into his loving Savior’s arms on Saturday morning, March 21, 2026 in Nappanee, IN. Vernon was born on February 21, 1945 to Orie and Helen (Hill) Reinhardt. Vernon’s first marriage was to Wilma Lee Manns; she preceded him in death on August 28, 1976. In 1978, Vernon married Verlyn Grace Tyson. Together they celebrated 48 years of marriage before her passing on September 22,2024.

Bud lived much of his life in Indiana, but in 2012 he moved to Arizona with family.  After relocating the Arizona, he enjoyed riding around town and the neighborhood with his side-by-side vehicle or electric scooter. He was widely known and deeply loved as the community grandpa, with a gift for making everyone laugh- his true superpower.

Bud loved working in the yard, helping others, telling childhood stories, and spending time with this family. But his favorite was being a grandpa. He volunteered at the church, had been a member of the 4-wheel Drive Club at Nappanee Missionary Church, and volunteered at the Surprise Baseball Stadium in Surprise, AZ. He had worked at Kingsford Heights meat processing plant for 20+ years, American Oak, NIA, and Fabwell, and had perfect attendance for the entirety of his employment history.

Vernon’s legacy continues with his sons, Steve (Barb) Reinhardt of Nappanee, and Kirby (Melissa) Reinhardt of Waddell, AZ; 7 grandchildren: Mathew Reinhardt, Blaize Reinhardt, Hailey Reinhardt, Dakota Reinhardt, Scottland Reinhardt, Chris Anderson, Jr., and Emily Anderson; 2 great-grandchildren: Ellie Creel and Carson Anderson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Vernon also leaves behind his sisters: Helen [Birkey] Miller, Shirley (Owen) [Sniefel] Summers, Vera [Nuest] Birkey, Diana Kucisnski, and Pamela (Keith) Tosseng.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Verlyn; his previous wife Wilma; his parents; 6 sisters: Mary Reinhardt, Verna Greer, Sue Mitross, Norma Finney, Lois Howe, and Wanda Reinhardt; and brothers Dale and Don Reinhardt.

Vernon’s celebration of life will be held at Nappanee Missionary Church (70417 SR 19, Nappanee) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 10am. He will be laid to rest at Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery in Kouts, IN. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.