Bud was born on December 6, 1928 in Poplar Bluff, MO to Dewey & Deldia (Francisco) Phelps. He passed away on December 13, 2018 at his home in Prosser surrounded by his family. Bud graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1946 and then moved to Benton City where he married Lillian Burruss in 1948. Bud worked in farming until 1959 when he and his brother-in-law, Leonard Burruss purchased the Husky Service Station in Benton City. In 1971 Bud left the station and started raising cattle which became the love of his life. In 1978 Bud and Lillian moved to Bickleton and continued raising cattle until retiring in 1998. Bud was also a volunteer fire fighter for Benton and Klickitat County for over sixty years. He was a charter member of the Benton City Wranglers; member of the Benton and Klickitat Cattlemen Association; member of Calvary Baptist Church in Prosser; and member of the Gentlemen on Horseback where he made several memorable rides with good friends, Walt Johnson and Everett Carter. In 1981, Bud received a silver buckle for the years he had worked with children in 4-H and Junior rodeos during his years in Benton City and wore it proudly.
Bud is survived by his wife of 70 years Lillian; son, Randy of West Richland; daughters, Cheryl (Bill) Church of West Richland, Terri Carpenter of Richland and Debra (David) Whitmore of Bickleton; 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mamie Warsick and Nadine Dell; beloved grandson, Alex Whitmore; beloved son-in-law, Philip Carpenter; and his dog, Tink. Services will be held Tuesday, December 18 at 2:00 pm. at Friendship Baptist Church, 1801 Paterson Rd. Prosser. The family requests no flowers due to allergies and memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church Bud Phelps Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 648, Prosser, WA 99350. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com
