John Budas

John  Michael  Budas, Age 90, Of Battle Creek, Passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Bronson Hospital.  He was born June 9, 1922 to Mike and Mary (Filche) Budas.  On June 3, 1951 he married Olga (Angie) Angelich at the First Congregational Church.  He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in the class of 1940.  He went to work at Eaton Manufacturing Company in July 1940 working on the war effort in the Production Department.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church since 1960.  He worked for several companies in Battle Creek.  He retired from Clark Equipment Company in November 1982.  When he retired, he was the Budget Administrator in the Engineering Department.  He was a member of the Clark Management Club for 21 years and served a term as a board member. In August 1942, John enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp.  He landed in England at the 490 Bomb Group on June 6, 1944.  He served as a T/Sargent Lead Crew Radio Operator on a B-17 bomber in the 8th Air Force in England.  In July 1945 he returned to the U.S.A. and was Honorably Discharged on September 23, 1945 at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida. Surviving are John’s wife Angie, daughter Kathleen of San Francisco, and sons Michael J. (Kay) Budas of Kalamazoo, and Robert P. (Rhonda) Budas of Sudbury, Massachusetts.  Also surviving are grandchildren Andrew Bremer of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lauren Budas of Kalamazoo, Benjamin Budas and Emmy Budas of Sudbury, Massachusetts and many nieces and nephews. John and his wife enjoyed traveling, meeting with his air crew for reunions, and visiting with other Air Force friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Mary Budas, and his brother, James.  His greatest joy was his family. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society.  www.henryfuneralhome.org

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