Men strive to earn the title hero; Gerald LeNore Budd was a true hero in every way. Jerry left this life on November 5, 2013 to join his sweetheart Merle on the other side. He passed away peacefully, in the home he loved, surrounded by loved ones on both sides of the veil.
On November 18, 1919 in Alberta, Canada, James Hurvey Budd and Eva Isabel Dangerfield Budd were blessed with their 6th child of 7. When Jerry was 6, he traveled with his family to Salt Lake City, Utah due to his father's health. His dad passed away less than one month later from lung cancer. Jerry learned hard work at a young age. He started working at the age of eight as a grocery delivery boy so he could take care of his mom. Jerry continued working as a grocer and became Manager of the Garden Center Grocery Store.
In 1938 Jerry's life changed forever as his younger sister Radine introduced him to her best friend Merle Viola Stout. Jerry was five years her senior, but he knew he wanted to marry her. Wedding plans were put on hold as Jerry was drafted to serve in the Army on November 5, 1941 for one year. Pearl Harbor was bombed one month later and things changed again.
Jerry served honorably during World War IIin The Pacific on Canton Island, The Hawaiian Islands, Makin Island, Iwo Jima and Saipan. He had no opportunity of a furlough, but Merle faithfully waited for Jerry's return. Jerry was watched over by angels and returned safely to family, friends and Merle four years later on October 31, 1945.
After their time apart they couldn't wait any longer, Jerry married his sweetheart seven days later on November 7, 1945 in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity. Jerry worked proudly for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years until he retired in 1978. Together Jerry and Merle served faithfully for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Genealogy work for the Spanish Extractions Program.
Together they raised six children, JoAnne, Mike, Marilyn, Mark, Janeen and Jim. With his family Jerry enjoyed going to Bear Lake, Yellowstone, and other National Parks, he finally got his dream and together with his Sweetheart, their children, spouses and some grandchildren all helped him build and care for their family cabin in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. It was a joy and he had many special memories there.
Jerry also enjoyed taking care of his yard and garden. Even into his 90's was seen mowing his lawn, weeding and cleaning out the gutters on the roof.
In 2012, shortly before their 67th wedding anniversary, Jerry's loving, spiritual, devoted wife Merle passed away. Throughout his life Jerry showed his unending love and devotion to her. Jerry was reunited with his "sweetheart honey dear" on November 5, 2013 (72 years after leaving family and friends to serve in the Army and two days before his 68th wedding anniversary.) All he ever wanted was to be with Merle, we are thankful that he is back in her arms again.
Anyone would be proud to know Jerry. He will always be remembered for his courage, unending love, charity, true example and "award winning Horseshoe sneezes".
Jerry is survived by brother, George Budd (known as Judd), and sister, Radine Ferre, children JoAnne (Jerry), Mike (Mercedes), Marilyn, Mark (Cecilia), Janeen, and Jim (Teresa), 24 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, James Budd and Sisters Ethel LaRue Budd, Ruth Allen, Francis Fluehe, granddaughter Mandy Ahrens, and great granddaughter Cheyenne Jeffs.
Services for Jerry will be held Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Taylorsville 15th Ward, 1457 West Atherton Drive (4310 South),the same church building that Jerry helped build 50 years ago with his three sons. Viewings will alsobe held there Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday, November 11, 2013 from9:30-10:30 a.m.Interment will be in theLarkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South). Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Silverado Hospice, Larkin Sunset Gardens. We would also wish to give a special thank you to his caregivers, Joshua and Johana Dennis, Terra Dennis, and Janeen Dennis.
