George E. Patch

My brother, Jeff, forwarded this to me. Our grandfather, Warren Watkins, was a close friend of Bud's and Grandpa often took us down the road to Bud's farm to fish in his ponds while he Bud got together to talk. This was in the 1960s when I was in grade school. I am certain that Jeff and I are not alone, as youngsters, in being in awe of Bud. More than many I have known through the years, Bud seemed to be happy to do his thing and in his own way. I still remember seeing him wearing his pith helmet, chasing his peacock and chickens, remember him setting off dynamite on New Year's Eve (not that I ever was allowed to stay up to watch), and on and on. Although I have not seen Bud in decades, I can still remember his energy and upbeat personality from that era. My condolences to his family.

Wow! I looked up my deceased grandfather's place, in Delaware, Ohio, on Googe Earth (all gone now) and thought about Bud. I had no idea he was still with us so long. Terry, if you read this, remember going small mouth fishing with me and my grandpa and your dad when we were young? He was an amazing man, one of the last great country guys. I think I first shot a 20 guage at his place, loved to fish his ponds. He let me hunt his back acreage, "just watch out for the Buffalo!" I'm glad he lasted so long. I think of him often. Best, Jeff Romero (my grandrather was Warren Watkins)

The Frank Gibson family offers our sincere sympathy. May God bless you all for your loss.

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Bud. We have so many wonderful and fun memories of him and always considered him a true friend. We are so happy we got to visit with him on his 100th birthday, still looking sharp with a smile on his face. What a wonderful life!