Tributes

Harold A. (Bud) DeaterSeptember 29, 1926 – January 25, 2011Bud went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. He was surrounded by his wife of 63 years and many loved ones. The youngest of 13 children, Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Deater and Iola (Hevel) Deater, his nine- half brothers and sisters and five- full brothers and sisters. Born in Grants Pass, Oregon on September 29, 1926, his family moved to Michigan when he was 4 years old. Bud entered the Navy in January 1945 and served his country until July 1946 as a Seaman 1c SV 6 USNR. He served on the NTC Great Lakes, USS Renshaw (DD 499) Destroyer and the USS Towner (ARA77) Destroyer. He earned the American Area Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal. Bud met his loving wife, Erma (Barber) when they were teenagers and they were married August 20, 1948. They had four loving children; JoAnne (Dennis) Childs, Harold Daniel (Julie) Deater, Dale (Michael) Gaylord and Rocklin (Lorena) Deater. He has twelve grand children and 15 great-grandchildren. Bud was a very loving and caring father, grandpa and great-grandpa. Member of the Rapid City Church of Christ, where he served as Deacon and Board Chair, Bud helped people in many ways and served his community whenever he saw a need. Fire Department, County Road Commissioner, Boy Scout Leader, Lions Club, “Town Constable”, V.F.W. Life member and service officer and he served as Undersheriff for 10 years. He placed flags on Veterans graves since 1947. He was a Stone Mason, Union Carpenter, worked for the Chamber of Commerce, was a U.S. Postmaster, School Board member, Twp. Founder of Freedom Park. He also owned and operated three businesses in Rapid City – Bud's Gas Station, Bud’s Bottle Gas and Bud's Bait and Sport Shop. He also loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing in Rapid River. He will be remembered for his love of music and dancing (member of Kalkaska Lights Square Dancing) and for the deep love and devotion to his family. Visitation for Bud will be on Saturday, January 29th, from 3-8 p.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska. A military burial will be held May 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Clearwater Cememtery. A celebration of Bud’s life will be held in June 2011. It is the family's wish to have a memorial built in Bud’s honor at Freedom Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations towards the memorial. Please make donations payable to DeeAnne Graczyk, 134 Peach Tree Drive, Traverse City, MI 49696.Condolences may be left on-line at www.wolfeoneill.com.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Harold A. "Bud" Deater

September 29, 1926 - January 25, 2011