Maurice "Bud" Shoults

Maurice Lorenze "Bud" Shoults, 101, a former longtime resident of Fortville, Ind., died on May 19, 2025, at his home in Fishers, Ind.

Bud was born on June 30, 1923, in Pine Village, Ind., the son of John Roberts Shoults and Ethel Gladys Sharp Shoults. He grew up in various locations in central Indiana and graduated from Williamsport High School, Class of 1941.

His family moved to Modoc, Ind., where he met the love of his life, Katherine Ines Lamb. In January 1943, before they could marry, Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably during WWII. He was an intricate part of Battery B 165 anti-aircraft artillery gun battalion. He and his unit were deployed to the South Pacific as a part of the 5th and later the 13th Army Air Forces.

Bud became an expert at identifying and calculating the altitude of enemy aircraft. When the war ended in August 1945, Bud had attained the rank of sergeant assigned to facilitate the return of thousands of soldiers, airmen and sailors through the Philippines. He was awarded the American Theater ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star, a good conduct medal, the Victory medal and a Bronze Arrowhead.

After returning to the United States on Jan. 24, 1946, Bud reunited with Kay. They were married at Indianapolis Friends Church on April 4, 1946.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple relocated to Pittsburgh, Pa., where Bud attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He graduated in 1948, with a degree in graphic design. Upon graduation, Bud and Kay returned to Indianapolis, where Bud was employed by Circle Engraving in its art department as a photo engraver. In October 1962, Bud joined the photo engraving department of Indianapolis Newspapers Inc. (INI), publisher of The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis News. During his years with INI, he helped lead the newspapers' transition to using color in their publications. He retired from the INI in June 1987.

Bud and Kay and their daughter, Linda Kay Shoults, moved to Fortville in 1950, where they lived for 66 years. Bud was a member of Fortville United Methodist Church and led the Methodist Youth Fellowship for nine years. Bud had a servant's heart and participated in or led several committees, including the Board of Trustees and Worship Committee. He also was an active member of the Methodist Men's group. He was a church delegate to the denomination's annual conference. Bud and Kay enjoyed their Sunday School class friends.

Bud also was an active member of the Optimist Club, which worked extensively with preschool and elementary students in the Fortville area, including sports and reading programs at the Hancock County town's Boys and Girls Club. He received the organization's Optimist of the Year and District Appreciation awards. He also was honored for outstanding service as a trustee of the Fortville Library Board and in 2008 received the Hancock County Senior Lifetime Award.

Bud loved automobiles and was a member of the Kaiser-Frazier Auto Club and a proud owner of several Kaiser-Frazier models. Daughter Linda drove a 1954 Kaiser to her classes at Mt. Vernon Township High School.

In 2016, Bud and Kay moved to Corydon, Ind., to live with Linda and Jim Hays, on his family farm. When Linda passed away in 2022, they moved to Hamilton Trace Senior Living in Fishers.

In addition to Linda, Bud was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kay, his son-in-law, James Hays of Corydon, and his honorary son, Floyd Sheldon of Yelm, Wash.

A visitation will be held at Seals Funeral Home, 122 W. Staat St., Fortville, IN 46040, from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24, in Fortville. A memorial service and burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Harrison County (Ind.) Arts, where the Linda Kay Shoults Resource Center is located. Mail donations to: Harrison County Arts, 113 E. Beaver St., Corydon, IN 47112. You may sign his online guestbook at sealsfuneralhome.com