Dr. Merlin Bowers Budd

DECATUR - Dr. Merlin Bowers Budd, 85, died May 31, 2004 with his family at his bedside. Dr. Budd lived in Decatur for over 45 years. He came to Decatur to practice Anesthesia as a founding partner of Associated Anesthesiologists of Decatur at Decatur Memorial Hospital. The practice grew to include one of the first teaching programs for Nurse Anesthetists in the area. Dr. Budd was born in Perrysburg, Ohio, on June 27, 1918. He graduated from Western Reserve University Medical School in 1948 and interned at Toledo Hospital in Ohio. He did general Practice and Anesthesia at Toledo Hospital. He practiced medicine in the Air Force from 1953-54 in Orlando, Florida and did an Anesthesia Residence in Joliet, Ill. in 1957. The Anesthesia Department at DMH started with Dr. Howard Wibbels, Dr. Bill Stephan, and Dr. Merlin Budd. Dr. Budd was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Decatur. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America for some years. He enjoyed many active years of golf, tennis, and handball with his friends at the Decatur Country Club and the YMCA.   He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Vermilya Budd, daughter Judy Bockstahler, husband Fred, grandson Michael of Corpus Christi, Texas. Granddaughter Virginia Kent and husband David, of Oslo, Norway. He is survived by son, Gary and wife Diana of Eugene, Oregon and son, Ronald of Eugene, Oregon. He is survived by son James and wife, Deborah, grandson Jeff, granddaughter Jenny of Oakland, California. A memorial service will be held on  Thursday, June 3 at 11 a.m.at the First Congregational Church. Memorials may be made to Decatur Memorial Hospital or the First Congregational Church. Arrangements by Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home. Obituary written by family members