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Gary Budke Obituary

Budke, Gary Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in Roatan, Honduras. Beloved husband of almost 49 years to Loraine Budke (Pick); loving father of Amy (Chris) Fikes, Elizabeth (Michael) Purcell, Andrew (Erin Canty) Budke and Emily Budke; proud grandfather of Rainey Fikes, Michael and Garrett Purcell, William, Lucy, Georgia and Milly Budke and Andrew Conrad Budke; dear brother of Bonnie (the late Richard) Brown; dear son of the late Louis and Dorothy Budke; beloved brother-in-law and uncle to many. Gary was born in St. Louis on August 31, 1946. He was a graduate of Chaminade College Preparatory and Regis University. He then joined the U.S Air Force and served in the Vietnam war as a C130 navigator in Thailand, where he received 4 air medals and the distinguished Flying Cross. His love of airplanes continued throughout his life, along with his love of photography. He loved to travel and record his love of nature and the outdoors with his cameras. Gary made sure that those around him always knew how special they were to him, especially his large extended family, his nieces and nephews, his sister and most of all his children and grandchildren. Services: Our family sends our deepest gratitude to our wonderful friends and the staff at Infinity Bay, Roatan, Honduras for their kindness and support. Funeral Mass will be held April 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anselm Parish, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 50 Crestwood Executive #401, St. Louis, MO 63126.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Mar. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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Michael C Conway

February 26, 2026

Gary and his family were welcome hosts to me , Mike Hoversen and many other Regis students. Each summer as school let out we would head east to our Chicago homes...but not without a stop at Gary's. We were always welcomed by loads of food and beer! My condolences to his lovely wife Lou and their family. Mike " Moe" Conway

Stretch

April 23, 2019

A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reservist - is someone who at one point in his/her life wrote a blank check made payable to "the United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including his/her life." That is Honor and there are far too many people in this country who no longer understand it! God Bless :)

Barbie Walker

April 23, 2019

Lorraine, I'm thinking of you and your family. KC says you're doing well but I'm sure it's hard nevertheless. I look forward to seeing you this summer and giving you a huge hug! You're an amazing woman and can handle anything but I know this is difficult even for you. Just know, our sympathies and love are with you.

March 11, 2019

May all the great memories help you get through this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you and your family. Fred and Penny Copps

Bob Thies

March 8, 2019

So sorry to hear of your loss! Gary will be miss by all that knew him. He will leave a hole in the hearts of many. Stay strong!

Jim Guth

March 8, 2019

I remember Gary, Bonnie, and their parents from summers at the Don K Ranch outside Pueblo, Co, a long time ago.

michael conway

March 6, 2019

Loraine, I remember mike hoversen Dennis Russell and myself making end of school year trips to Gary's house to load up on beer, steaks, partying, sleep and gas light sq. bars. He was a kind, generous gentleman that had a quiet way of making the people around him better persons. So, I am a better man for having known him. Moe Conway

Arthur Blumeyer

March 6, 2019

Sorry Bonnie. He was a great guy.

Frank Lacy

March 6, 2019

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Robertine Lipscomb

March 5, 2019

Prayers are going out to your family Lorraine. When I met him that one time I could tell he was one who loved his family. To Emily I know you will miss him deeply.

Wendy Bidgood

March 5, 2019

I knew Gary in high school through his friend Steve; he was a great guy with a wry wit. Loved his stories, esp those of Aunt Clare Anne. Sorry for all who are saddened

Nancy and Byron Francis

March 4, 2019

We will miss his easy going manner. When we traveled to Botswana Gary suggested we take his very expensive camera with us on the trip. We could not believe he trusted us with his prized possession. The pictures were great!

Bill Fryman

March 4, 2019

Saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Rick Seebeck

March 4, 2019

Gary had many qualities some of them were his generosity and his love of family and friends. He will be missed by many especially by his family who he loved dearly. Memorable
thoughts and prayers will be with the family at this time of grief.

Jerry Miller

March 3, 2019

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our prayers are with the family. He will be greatly missed.

I knew Gary from Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers (MoNEP). He was the club's president some years ago, a talented photographer and always a gentleman. It was a privilege to know him.

Rest in peace, my friend.

bob haddenhorst

March 3, 2019

Loraine, I was deeply saddened when I learned of Gary's passing from Neil Packman. The time spent with Gary was memorable, whether sharing photography advice, golf tips?? or chatting in general, Gary was the best. My thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to you and your family. Bob Haddenhorst

John Hammond

March 3, 2019

An officer and gentleman, USAF brother, classmate and life time friend. I will miss our reunions and "war stories". Hanger flying with Gary was always and adventure. I wish I could have seen the Angels faces when he landed in Paradise. Much love to his beautiful family.

Wayne Hebden

March 3, 2019

Recalling the old ElmTree Lane years.

David Reiss

March 3, 2019

Thinking of you and sending prayers to you and your family Lorraine. Gary was a great guy. Always remember our visit in Florida. Love, David

March 3, 2019

Condolences to the family.
May you gain support and prayers to sustain you at this difficult time.
Isaiah 57:15

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