Bud Boss

"Bud" Boss, son of C.H. (Buck) and Carrie Lois Boss was born on August 6, 1945 in DeBerry, Texas. Bud passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The family moved to Pawnee in 1946 where his grandparents lived. When he started first grade Ella Dietz was his teacher and on the first day when she asked him what his real name was, he told her "Bud." Mrs. Dietz said he must have another name, but Bud didn't know it. That day when he got home from school his mother finally had to tell him his real name - and he had to learn to spell it, which he disliked.

Bud's early years were spent much like others who grew up in Pawnee, playing with lots of friends outside. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Pawnee and loved his community.

Bud attended Pawnee schools for 12 years, and was a proud member of the Class of 1964. He was active in sports and was often referred to as 'every girls crush' in high school. Bud enjoyed his classmates and was proud to call many of them lifelong friends.

After graduation, Bud attended Oklahoma State University. He was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard and spent 18 months in Vietnam working for Lear Sigler. Upon returning from Vietnam he worked for his brother as a dental lab assistant. Bud enjoyed doing remodeling and was a talented carpenter. Many homeowners around Pawnee, and the surrounding areas, still enjoy the work Bud did for them through his craft. Bud worked for United Community Action Program in Pawnee for several years before 'semi' retiring and accepting employment at Forman Harley Davidson in Stillwater. He enjoyed the customers he met at Formans and especially enjoyed his co-workers and boss, Tommy Forman.

In 1980, Bud met the woman who finally took away his 'most eligible bachelor' status. Shortly after meeting Kathy Manning in Pawhuska, he knew he'd found the one. The two were married February 12, 1981 and recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Bud was glad to gain two sons, John T. and Mark, through that union.

Bud and Kathy spent years traveling and enjoying trips together. They tallied countless hours and logged countless miles together on their Harley Davidson, with some of their closest friends. The two have said that taking trips on their bike were some of the best times of their lives.

Bud enjoyed playing golf with his grandson, Colt, riding his Harley and planning his next project. He will be remembered most for his gentle smile, his genuine and giving heart and his love of life. It's often been said that Bud never met a stranger, and all who knew him, loved him.

Bud is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Boss, Pawnee; sons, John T. Manning and wife, Samantha, Pawhuska; Mark Manning and wife, Michelle, Pawhuska; grandchildren, Colt Manning, Blaine Manning, Shauna Fadely, Tyler Fadely and Jamee White and husband, Lane; great granddaughter, Laynee White; sister Ginger Boss Plumlee, Midwest City; sisters-in-law, Leigh Carter, Tulsa; Claire Hillman, Arizona; and Barbara Boss, Kingsville, Texas; as well as nephews, Art Boss, Jr., Stacy Boss, Michael Boss, Dave Plumlee and Steve Plumlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Lois Boss; brother, Art Boss; brother-in-law, J.D. Plumlee and nephews, Jim and Robert Plumlee.