Baker City, Baker County, Oregon
Bud Town is home. On the morning of June 9, 2006, with Ellen at his side, our Lord Jesus came and walked Bud home.
Memorial Services will be held Friday, June 16, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Vale, (Yakima and F. St. ).
S. Duane “Bud” Town was born on the family homestead May 22, 1919, at Moscow, Idaho the only son with three older sisters. His parents were Sherman F. Town and Johanna Ronholt Town.
Bud had fond memories of his childhood and school years. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1942 with a degree in Forestry and Range Management.
He married Ellen Parlin in Baker, Ore., on May 22, 1956, at the First Lutheran Church in Baker, Ore. They lived there ten years and he was transferred to Malheur Co. with the Soil Conservation Service. They have lived in Vale since that time.
Bud retired in 1981 and then served as Emergency Service Director of Malheur Co. for 9 years. He was a life long Lutheran and active in his Church, holding all the Council positions and acted as Treasurer for many years.
He was a volunteer fireman for 22 years and an EMT II D for about as long. He was a member of the Vale Seniors, Past Chairman and van driver. He was involved with the Boy Scouts when his son was in school. In 1988 he was recognized as volunteer of the year for service to the community. In 1994 he was awarded the Sam Shaver Memorial by the Vale Chamber of Commerce and the Vale Lion of the year in 1991. One of his greatest joys was being named Grand Marshall for the 4th of July Parade in 1996. He was an avid reader, liked hunting, fishing, camping and finding huckleberries. He was a charter member of the Fence Riders Wire Collectors INC. and had been trading barb wires for about 30 years.
Bud was loving, caring and generous with his time and self. His wife, children and the grand-darlings and great-grand-darlings were the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen; sons, Duane Town of Boise, Douglas and Judy Town of Hillsboro; daughters, Sandra Lytle of Moscow, Kathy and James Blackburn of Kuna and Betty Duncan of Unity; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a daughter, Kay Ringer.
His last wishes are being honored by his family. He desired no viewing, a memorial service at his church and his ashes to be buried in Moscow, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to: Grace Lutheran Church or the Vale Senior Building Fund, C/O Lienkaemper Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Ontario, OR 97914. A special Thank You to Pioneer Place for the compassion and care given to our loved one.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, June, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor