Ralph R. "Bud" Green

A life well lived---
Ralph R. “Bud” Green of rural Fredonia passed March 2, 2018 from this life to his eternal home – his mansion in glory! He was 90 years young.

Bud was born on July 12, 1927 to Ralph Henry and Margaret Bell Humes Green. Both parents preceded him in death as well as one sister, Ruby Wallner, and an infant brother, Daniel. Surviving siblings include Dolly Kester (Steve) of Toronto, Kansas, Betty Shue and Jewel Bair of Fredonia, Kansas, Pauline Wiggans (Cecil) of Jacksonville, Florida, Peggy Beyer of Wichita, Kansas and brother, David Green of Tallequah, Oklahoma.

Bud married Phyllis (Corrine) Honeyman on June 5, 1949. They had seven children, Ray (Charlene) of Wichita, Kansas, Deanna Wilson (Pat) of Fredonia, Kansas, Dan (Renetta) of Fredonia, Kansas, Pat (Beth) of Wamego, Kansas, Donna Craig (Gordon) of Columbia, Missouri, Jon (Jet) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Dr. Andrea Blythe (David) of Austin, Texas. They enjoyed many adventures and lived many happy years together until her death in 2011. An infant son, Thomas, also preceded him in death.

Bud was very proud of his, as he put it, 1 and ½ dozen children (7); their lives, accomplishments, careers and all the grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. He had a “tough” exterior but those close to him knew deep down he was indeed tenderhearted.

Bud owned and operated Green’s Service Station in Fredonia for over 30 years. All the kids learned to pump gas, check oil and tires, wash windshields, stock the supplies, make change and interact with customers. Lots of memories and stories within the walls of that small brick station. He sold the service station to his son, Dan in 1977.

Early into retirement (1983-1985), Bud and Corrine and young Andrea joined the US Peace Corp and spent two years in the Fiji Islands teaching locals the art of beekeeping, gardening and food preservation. Upon their return, they enjoyed sharing their experiences with many state and local organizations.

Bud enjoyed growing a large garden every year and folks came from far and wide to buy organic produce at the “farm”. He often planted more than 200 tomato plants, peppers, onions and potatoes. He truly had a “green” thumb and could grow almost anything. He also had a nice apple orchard and pecan trees.
He inherited a couple of bee hives after the death of a brother-in-law in 1978 and Bud was a natural when it came to raising “bees”. His daughter, Deanna and husband, Pat, continue this tradition. “Green’s honey” is some of the best available in the area.

Bud enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest each day. He never knew a stranger and would strike up conversations where ever he went. There was never a dull moment when in public with Bud—awkward sometimes but never dull.

In his later years, Bud became a very avid reader and was a frequent visitor of the Fredonia Pubic Library. There he enjoyed lively conversations with the staff. They always had the next 5 books ready for his next visit.

Bud is survived by his siblings and children listed above along with 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Bud was a long-time member of Grace First Assembly of God Church in Fredonia.

Psalm 91:16 – With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

Please join us in celebrating his life and legacy. Visitation will be Thursday, March 8 from 5-7 pm at the Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 North 7th Street, Fredonia, Kansas. Service will be held Friday, March 9 at 10 am at Grace First Assembly of God Church, 1102 Washington Street, Fredonia, Kansas. Interment will be at the Fredonia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fredonia Public Library through the Wickham Family Funeral Home.