Oliver (Bud) Orison Purbaugh (1919 – 2016)

Oliver Orison Purbaugh was born March 30, 1919 in a sod house on the Purbaugh homestead north of Wallace, Nebraska to George Dewey Purbaugh and Esther Murray Purbaugh. Most people knew him as 'Bud.' His family moved to Monrovia, California when he was 3 years old. As a young school-aged boy he helped provide family income by delivering papers before school. At age 9 he moved in with his grandparents, John & Lucinda Purbaugh. Later he worked in the orange groves learning irrigation, which he used years later when he farmed. Bud was gifted with an incredible mind even though he only had formal education through the 7th grade. He always had a knack for making and fixing mechanical things. At age 11 their neighbor's car was disabled and three shops couldn't fix it, so when Bud asked the neighbor if he could try fixing it, she agreed. He tore the motor apart, found the blockage, put it back together… and it worked!!! The neighbor was thrilled. Thus began his lifelong love of mechanics. At age 15 he bought his first car, a burned out body of a 1934 Ford 2-door sedan for $100, which he rebuilt from the bottom up. The car was nicknamed the Flying Goose because it could go fast! Right before his 17th birthday he drove the Flying Goose with his Mother, brother 'Hun', and their dog Bozo from California to Nebraska in blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures. The Flying Goose had bald tires and no antifreeze. By the grace of God they were protected and arrived safely 48 hours later at his Grandmother Murray's home in Wallace, Nebraska. Bud married Ruth Sparks in August 1939 and they had 3 daughters; Betty Christine, Nancy Carol and Janet Diane. During those years Bud was a farmer, custom combiner harvesting from Oklahoma to North Dakota, a carpenter, a tractor painter and a master mechanic. He built and ran his own mechanic business (B&L Repair) in Wallace, Nebraska and had a passion for restoring Model T's. Bud served in the US Army during WWII and was qualified as a Rifle Marksman. After their divorce in 1963, Bud moved to California. On November 15, 1964 he and Marybelle Banderet Radel were married. They lived in California, Nebraska, and South Dakota before retiring in Wichita, Kansas. During the earlier years of their marriage he farmed and ranched. However, his love of mechanics never left him. It was his great joy to diagnose and repair many cars, pickups, lawn mowers, etc. for family, friends and neighbors. Most often he would only accept enough money to cover the cost of the parts. As recently as 2 months before his passing, he walked outside and listened to one of his neighbor's grandson's car because the shop couldn't fix it. Bud again correctly diagnosed the problem to the thankful amazement of the young man. Bud lived life with great integrity and honesty. He had an amazing memory and told wonderful stories of how his faith worked in his everyday life. He attended Aimee Semple McPherson's evangelical services as a very young boy and with the Christian influence of his Mother and later his Stepfather, Robert Ripley, he had a strong foundation of faith and accepted the Lord at age 14. In the 60s he recommitted his life to Christ. Many times he spoke how the "Hand of the Lord" brought wisdom, healing, protection, provision, forgiveness & reconciliation in his life. For years he was a Trustee at their church, Spoken Word Tabernacle, and retired as an Honorary Trustee in later years. Bud made a difference in the lives of many. One special person was Leslie McCown who he took a personal interest in and taught him mechanics. Bud loved Leslie like a son, and Leslie loved and thought of Bud as his second Father. Bud often spoke of "a good neighbor close by." He & Marybelle were blessed with wonderful neighbors. Pat Belt has helped care for Bud & Marybelle's daily needs for 3 years and has loved them like her own parents; Don & Lynda Chambers mowed their yards and have been wonderful faithful friends; and Kim & Karen Palmer trimmed the yards and were always available to help in any way they could. His church family always supported him in prayer. We also recognize the excellent care of the many other caregivers & Hospice nurses. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nevin (Hun) Lewis Purbaugh, and sister Mabel Purbaugh. He entered into eternal life at 3:00 a.m. January 1, 2016 and surely heard the Lord say "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marybelle; brother Mel (Patricia) Purbaugh of Woodscross, UT; daughters Betty Meacham of Wichita, KS, Nancy (Jim) Palmer of Brighton, CO; Janet Miller of Lewellen, NE; Marybelle's children: Marlene (George) Windfelder of Rowland Heights, CA; Cheryl (Ron) Haberkorn of Arvada, CO; Sandy (Ernie) Whitaker of San Antonio, TX; and Leonard Radel of Arvada, CO; 5 grandchildren and 10 step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the following: Spoken Word Tabernacle - 4200 W. 3rd St; Wichita, Kansas, 67212; Phone 316-945-7095, Amedisys Hospice - 250 W. Douglas, Suite 101; Wichita, KS 67202; Phone 316 945-0459 and Meals on Wheels - 200 S Walnut St, Wichita, KS 67213; Phone 316 267-0122. Services will be held 2:30 p.m., Monday, April 4, at the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery, 1208 N. College, Winfield, Kansas. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com