W. Conard "Bud" Search

W. Conard "Bud" Search, 89, resident of Wesley Commons, husband of Mary Ann Keyes Search, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, in Greenwood, South Carolina. His outgoing and caring presence, wherever he went, will be deeply missed.
Bud and Mary met at an Extension Service conference at MSU, and then married August 2, 1975 in Plainwell, MI. They were grateful for each other and determined to love one another through thick and thin.
Born May 30, 1934, Bud was the eldest child of the late James Conard and Marquerite Thorn Search. He grew up in Hatboro and New Hope, PA, graduating from New Hope High School, remaining in contact with classmates for his whole life. Bud then was accepted to Michigan State University where he received both, his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Agriculture and Education. He was first employed by Webberville High School, where he taught agriculture and advised the Future Farmers of America chapter. Bud then was employed by Michigan State University as a Cooperative Extension Farm Management Agent, retiring early in 1990. After retirement, he began his consulting business "Search Farm Management Service", and then he became the Executive Director for Michigan Allied Poultry, working from their home on Lake Huron in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Bud received much recognition for his work with farmers, and he received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Michigan State University recognizing his accomplishments, in 1982.
Bud and Mary were alumni and employees of Michigan State University. They were devoted to their Spartan sports teams, and attended every home football game for many years. Bud also took seriously his faith and was very involved in whatever United Methodist Church he joined in all the communities where he lived. He served faithfully in his leadership of Lay Witness Missions, loved teaching adult Sunday School and leading Bible Studies, and sought out theological discussion wherever the opportunity presented itself. Bud also enjoyed traveling, kayaking, woodworking, golf and adventures with Mary.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter, Deborah (James Willoughby) Search Willoughby of Kalamazoo, and two sons, David (Jayne) Search of Hudsonville, MI, and Daniel Search of Tripoli, IA; grandchildren, Tracey (David) Szurley, Christopher Search, Samantha (Jessica) Search Rafanan, Jessica (Jason) Maggio, Stephanie (Gary) Moran, Kyle (Tina) Search, Kendra Search and Melissa Heyboer; one brother, Edmund (Judy) Search of Lansing, MI; and one sister, Lucia (Lee) Thorburn of Dansville, MI; a sister-in-law Marlene Karpinski of Lawrence, MI; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Bud was predeceased by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Sands Kordella, a sister, Marguerite "Peggy" Ferrigno, and his brothers-in-law, Bill Karpinski, Jim Thomas, and Bill Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 1, at Wesley Commons with Rev. Jason Wilson and Wesley Commons Chaplain, Kelvin Hinson presiding. A second memorial service, in Michigan, will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Mark United Methodist Church, 550 Bypass 72 NW, Greenwood, SC 29649, Wesley Commons, 1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, SC 29946, or to Pathway House, 1444 S. Main Street., Greenwood, SC 29646.