Bradley L Budden

Bradley L. Budden, 75, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in the company of loved ones.
Born on December 3, 1949, in Clay Center, Kansas, Brad was the son of Florence Fyfe and Lyman Budden. He grew up in the surrounding area, but it was in Abilene where he truly put down roots and made his home. A 1967 graduate of Abilene High School, Brad went on to serve his country in the National Guard during the Vietnam War era.
Brad began his professional life with KP&L, but soon pivoted to a long tenured career with Southwestern Bell Telephone, where he worked as a lineman, splicer, and installation and repair technician. He continued this work through the transition to AT&T, ultimately retiring after a long and dedicated career. Never one to sit still, Brad later worked for Horizon Farm & Ranch Realty, continuing to lend his expertise and work ethic well into his later years.
Brad was known for his hard work, his ornery nature, a sarcastic sense of humor, and his deep love of horses and team roping. He shared his passion for horses with his children and his many roping partners across the decades. His breadth of knowledge and experience in equine husbandry was truly expansive, and should be the benchmark of dedication for all who have a passion. He was a genuine cowboy to the core, and none did it better. Though above all, he was fiercely devoted to his children-always their biggest supporter and advocate.
He is survived by his children (and their spouses): Rachelle Swearingen (Ray), Sara Meng (Justin), and Theodore Budden (Emily); his grandchildren: Samantha and Grant Swearingen, Claire, Claudia, and Caroline Meng, Benjamin and Rosie Budden; and one great-grandchild, Walker.
Brad also leaves behind two half-siblings, Kelly and Tim Budden; and many extended family members and friends who will remember him with love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Fyfe and Lyman Budden, as well as his brothers, Arden and Gailen Budden.
A memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church in Abilene at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 12th. Burial will follow at Rose Meron Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-7 P.M., at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Brad's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at CFF.org.
Brad's legacy of grit, humor, passion, and unwavering love for his family will live on in those who knew him best.
Rest easy, cowboy.
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