Byron ‘Bud’ Waterman

After a four-month long battle with cancer, Byron “Bud” Waterman of Ohio City received the ultimate victory at 1:40 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2012, when angels hovering near gently lifted his spirit into the waiting arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Bud was born June 24, 1932, in Dixon, the son of the late Charles and Samantha (Murchland) Waterman. He was the youngest of five children, including a sister, Virginia Swygart of Decatur, Ind. Deceased are two brothers, Marvin and Charles Waterman, and a sister, Barbara McIntosh. He is also survived by a very close aunt, Jean Renier of Monroeville, Ind.

On November 29, 1952, Bud married the love of his life, Joanne Rickard, who survives in Ohio City. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this November. Together they have two sons, Greg (Ellen) Waterman of Ohio City and Steve (Gloria) Waterman of Rockford. Their family circle would grow to include five grandchildren who were the “apple of his eye and the stars in his sky”: Brian, Stacy, Jessica, Jolynn and Jenna. Bud was always a big part of his grandchildren’s lives as they grew up sitting in his lap or beside him on the arms of his favorite rocking chair. He was so shaken at the tragic passing of his only grandson, Brian, on December 16, 2008, but the family takes great consolation in the knowledge that they are together again.

Bud was employed at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, Ind., when he was called upon to serve in the Korean War, where he attained the rank of sergeant. Returning home, he returned to Harvester, retiring in 1980 after 30 years of service.

Bud was also a volunteer firefighter with the Ohio City Fire Department for 10 years. He was a member of the Harvey Lewis American Legion post in Ohio City and was also a faithful member of Ohio City Church of God. He recently started attending Olive Branch Church of God, where his son serves as pastor.

Bud was a person that could always make friends easily … always providing laughter and even sharing candy with anyone he would meet.

His family invites friends to gather from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert for a time of sharing memories. A service celebrating his life will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastors Randy Bevington and Steven G. Waterman officiating.

Preferred memorials are to Olive Branch Church of God.

“The greatness of a person is not measured by the amount of things accumulated in this life … the greatness of a person is measured by the size of the hole in the heart that remains after they are gone.” Bud Waterman, indeed, was truly a great person.