Durward "Bud" Seely

Durward “Bud” Glenn Seely, 86, of Fort Wayne, previously of Milford, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to Glenn and Katherine “Kate” (Wilson) Seely on January 27, 1936 in Hillsdale, Michigan. On September 11, 1960, Bud married Jeroldine “Jeri” Rae Bushong; she preceded him in death on November 17, 2019.

Bud graduated from North Adams High School in Hillsdale, Michigan in 1954 and went on to honorably serve his country in the US Air Force. He and his wife moved to Milford in 1961. He was employed with CTB in Milford and retired from there after many years of faithful service. In 2015 Bud and Jeri were named the 2015 Milford Fest Senior King and Queen for their service to the community.

An active member of the community, Bud joined the Milford Lions Club in April 1964 and became an active member. He was known as the official photographer for the local club and at district, state and international Lions events. He served as District Governor of District 25G from 1972-1973. He became a life member of Lions Clubs International in 2004. His activeness in the Lions Club earned him the Lions Clubs’ International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellowship in April 1993, the Indiana Lions Foundation W.P. Woods Fellowship in 2001, the Lions Clubs International Presidential Medals, the second highest award in Lionism, in 2011 and 2013, and the highest award given in Lionism, the Lions Clubs International Ambassador of Goodwill Award in 2014. In 2019 he received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation.

He was also a member of the Masonic Kosciusko Lodge 418. He loved sports and would talk sports — local, college or professional, with everyone he met, but he was a true Michigan Football and Detroit Lions fan. He also enjoyed announcing for Goshen football games and serving as a Notre Dame football usher for over 25 years. Bud traveled all over, and one of his favorite trips was to the Holy Land. He was a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award and a longtime member of the Christian Church of Milford.

Bud is survived by siblings, Phyllis D’Addio of Hickory Hills, IL, Nancy Kimmel of Chandler, AZ; a brother-in-law, John (Lisa) Bushong; nephews, Brandon Bushong, and Scott Lanier; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Rhetta Sturteant, Susan Seely, Beatrice Shaner, and James Seely.

Friends and family will be received from 1 to 3 PM on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 461 W 900 N, Milford, IN 46542 . Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at Milford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Milford Lions or the Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.mishlerfhcc.com