Weldon Bud Garber

Weldon E. ""Bud"" Garber, 91, of Washington, Illinois and Naples, Florida passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014 in Naples, Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene (Mercier) Garber, whom he married on May 8, 1955. Bud and Arlene deeply loved and respected one another. Arlene passed away on October 28, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Carl Garber, Allen Garber; his sister Marie Gallagher and grandson, Andrew Kane. Among those surviving are his children, Nancy (David) Quinn and family, Jacob, Joseph and Jessica of Washington, Illinois; Connie Dyar and daughter, Nicole of Morton, Illinois; Lisa Garber and son, Clayton Garber Ford of Naples, Florida; David (Jennifer) Garber and family, Jon Kane, Emily Schmitt-Woods, and great-granddaughter Olivia of Philpot Kentucky. In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. Bud was born on February 8, 1923 in Emden, Illinois to Jesse and Lottie (Kaesebeir) Garber. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon completion the of his service, he attended the University of Illinois in Champagne, Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting. In further pursuit of his accounting career, he avidly studied for the CPA examination, obtaining an accreditation in accounting. This led to a long career with KMPG (previously Peat Marwick), where he worked over 30 years, retiring in 1981 as a partner. His hard-work and dedication to his career served as inspiration, instilling a good work ethic in both his children and grandchildren. A deeply spiritual man, Bud was an active member of St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington, Illinois. He frequently served on several committees, donating his time for an institution and faith he cared for profoundly. Bud was also active in other organizations. He was a lifetime member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Washington, serving on the executive board in several positions. He was also a member of the American Legion and previously, a member of the Washington Civic Association. Bud had tenacity and a love for life and people. He frequently participated in annual fishing trips in Canada, surrounded by the Canadian terrain and his close friends. Bud and Arlene also attended monthly card club gatherings, and he continued to attend them long after Arlene?s passing, maintaining long and enduring relationships with club members. Bud will be remembered as inspirational husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He instilled faith, love, hard work, tenacity, and humor into the lives of those who surrounded him. Funeral Services for Bud will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 11:00 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bates officiating. Visitation will on Thursday, December 18, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 at Mason-White Funeral Home and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com.