Perry “Bud” Dean Marks Jr., 65, of Holt, Mo., died January 24, 2019 after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia. He is at peace now.
He was born in Fort Richardson, Alaska on December 9, 1953 to Perry Dean Marks Sr.
After graduating from Shawnee Mission South in 1972 Bud enlisted in the Navy SeaBees. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif.
Bud married Martha, the love of his life, in 1973. His first born son, Timothy Robert Marks was born in 1975.
After completing his Navy service, Bud moved his family to Lawrence, Kans., to attend Kansas University. While at KU he joined Kansas National Guard as a 1st Lieutenant. He served with the Kansas National Guard for 22 years and retired as a Major.
His daughter Emily Christine Marks was born in 1981. That same year he earned his BA from the KU School of Design.
Job opportunities moved the family to Kansas City, Mo. He earned his Masters of Public Administration at UMKC Block School of Business in 1994. He started working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and later with Dept. of Veteran Affairs.
He is survived by his father, Perry Dean Marks Sr.; siblings, Lynn, Bruce, John, Susan and Jim; wife, Martha Marks; children, Tim and Emily; and grandchildren, Sophie, Audrey, Nathan, and River.
Bud was known for his entertaining story telling and quirky sense of humor. Hobbies and interests included researching family genealogy, music, and singing. Bud was known to carry his mandolin along with him for impromptu performances for his friends and family. He sang Barber Shop Quartet with his father and grandfather in his younger years.
Bud loved American history. He especially enjoyed and took great pride in participating in Civil War reenactment. He was a Commander and a founding member of the Westport Camp for the Sons of the Union Veterans, and Color Guard for the Sons of the American Revolution.
Loving husband, family man and dog owner. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Burial Service and Military Honors will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Friday March 1, 2019. A Memorial Celebration of Bud’s life will be held following. Location details to come.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Emily, I was so very saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I read his obituary & was very impressed by all he accomplished. Although, words cannot sum up a father’s life, what was written, describes him vividly to those who didn’t know him as you did. I hope you’ll find comfort in the fact that I wish I could have known him. He was a very interesting guy to say the least. I KNOW he was a wonderful man & father by the daughter he raised. I’ve known for years that you are a very independent, talented, hardworking & wonderful mother!
My condolences to you, River & Jason.
Sending condolences to my cousin Bud’s family, on his passing. Wishing my other Wearne family members, peace during this difficult time. I will have him and them in my prayers.
Patrick Wearne
We are sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you enjoy the many good memories of him as he rests in peace. (We love you, Emily!)
Brianne Rocamontes
I the honor of working with Bud while he was at the Kansas City District Corps of Engineers, Contracting Division. I am saddened to hear of his passing, he is at peace now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.
Gale A. Ross
Very sad to hear of Bud’s passing. I worked with him several years at the Corps of Engineers and always appreciated his help and dedication to getting the job done right. We missed him when he left the corps. Will miss him more now.
Christine Hendzlik