Michael Vernon Budde

Michael Vernon Budde, age 56, of Knoxville, TN passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 2, 2025. Mike was a deeply devoted husband, caring son, incredible big brother, loving uncle, and faithful friend.
Mike would likely say his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with his wife, Heather Boston. Having married in their 40's, Mike and Heather were each other's soul mates and best friends. What had begun years earlier as a friendship, blossomed into a beautiful relationship- something they just knew was meant to be, as did everyone who witnessed it. They married on July 13, 2015 and in the years that followed they have lived happily establishing their home, enjoying Mike's gourmet meals, vacationing, and even hunting together. In the evenings they were usually cuddling on the couch in each other's arms watching tv and in the company of their late cat, Ty, and most current addition, Piper. Only Heather could soften Mike's heart and melt his tough facade; she was truly the love of his life.
Mike was born on May 25th, 1969 in Knoxville, TN. As a young boy he attended St. Joseph's School and then graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1987. He later worked hard to receive his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Tennessee Tech in 2000. At a young age, he became a lover of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, a love which he learned from his father "Budde" and shared alongside his younger brother, "Ronnie". He also enjoyed learning, gardening, and was a great cook- a gift he learned from his mother, Charlotte.
Following the events of 9/11, Mike had a strong calling to serve his country. Given his water purification expertise, he worked as a civilian contractor for the US Army at Kwajalein Atoll, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as a Water Treatment Specialist. He later served as the Quality Assurance & Reverse Osmosis Manager at COB Speicher in Northern Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom for 2 years. During this time, Mike was in charge of all aspects of quality assurance, treatment, and distribution of bottled water for soldiers, support teams, and contractors in extremely hazardous and dangerous conditions. He is also known for creating a makeshift swimming pool at the base as a means of recreation & "normalcy" for the service members. For his dedication, he was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the 561st Corps Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade.
In 2007, Mike began his 12 year career for General Electric (GE) Water & Process Technologies as the Senior Field Services Representative for the Southeastern United States and Caribbean. He then continued his water technologies career as an Area Field Manager of TVA-East for both SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions and Veolia, and most recently worked as the Central US Regional Account Manager for King Lee Technologies allowing him to continue his water technologies career but with less stress and travel so he and Heather could spend more time together. Mike's life was marked by service, dedication, loyalty, and love- for his work, country, family, and most especially, Heather.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents Vernon Bernard & Pauline Buck Budde, Sr. and Ira Wilmer & Helen Evans Price. He is survived by his one and only wife of 10 years, Heather Boston Budde; parents, Vernon Bernard "Budde" and Charlotte Price Budde (Knoxville, TN); brother, Ronald Todd Budde and sister-in-law, Tricia Kirkley Budde (Mt. Pleasant, SC); sister-in-law, Holly Boston DeFranco and brother-in-law, Christopher Joseph DeFranco; father-in-law, Charles "Buddy" Boston and mother-in-law, Clarice Boston; and nieces & nephews Stella, Macy, Laney, Aslyn, Stokes and Kirk Budde; along with Foster, Megan, William, and Molly DeFranco.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM -6:30 PM, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at First Baptist Concord Church chapel (11704 Kingston PIke, KNoxville, TN 37934) with service to follow. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery off Sutherland Drive (5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.