Richard Harrison ‘Bud’ Bearley died Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the Atwood Good Samaritan Center at the age of 97.
He was born the third of six children of Harry A. ‘Gus’ and Effie Palmer Bearley Sr. February 23, 1919 at the homestead north of Atwood. After graduating from Atwood High School Bud and his brother Wilbur went in search of employment in Washington state.
While there, he met and married Harriet Haskell in McCleary. Shortly after their marriage he was employed in Kenia, Alaska building barracks for the soldiers. They returned to Atwood where he enlisted in the Air Corps. He was an airplane sheet metal worker while stationed in Texas. At his discharge December 3, 1945 he received the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. They returned to Rawlins County where he was employed first by Palmer Glass Shop. He continued to farm and ranch and they owned and operated the Western Auto store in downtown Atwood and later moved to Hwy 36 with the Western Auto/Apco Station.
His strong work ethic allowed him to also, at the same time, hold a dual appointment with the United States Post Office as a clerk/carrier from which he retired with over 30 years of service. But, he liked nothing better than to get the cowboys together to work cattle. Bud also loved spending time with family and friends camping and fishing on the lakes near home.
He was a member of the American Legion Post of Atwood, the Masonic Lodge, where he recently received his 75 year pin, and the United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and oldest son, Dick. His brother, Wilbur, and sisters Albertina Richmond and Retta Berger.
He leaves to mourn his son, Craig and Valerie, his sister Effie Fields and brother Harry A. Bearley Jr. of Atwood. Granddaughter Sarah and Aaron Tobaben of Leawood, KS; Freeman and Niki Bearley of McPherson, KS and Nicholas and Melody Bearley of Atwood. Eight great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bud influenced many people in many ways, his integrity and loyalty were blessings he passed on to all those who knew and loved him. His words to live by, ‘growing old is not for sissies’.
Visitation will be on Sunday, April 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, in Atwood, KS. Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Atwood, KS. Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:00 am. Suggested memorials are to the Atwood Good Samaritan Center and God’s Little Saints Preschool of Atwood, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information/condolences, please visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.