Surrounded by his children, Francis E (Bud) Church passed from this earth to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2025 at the age of 95.
Bud was born May 26, 1930, in New London, Connecticut. He grew up in southern California and graduated from Inglewood High School. Immediately after high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served four years during the Korean War.
In 1955, Bud married Nora nixon. That same year, he began the electrical apprenticeship program, eventually becoming a Supervisor Electrician. In 1966, Bud moved his young family to Silverton, Oregon, where he owned and operated Church Electric.
In the early 1980s, Bud and Nora purchased a sailboat. After taking sailing lessons, Bud learned to navigate by the stars and together they set out on a grand adventure -- living aboard their sailboat and sailing around Anacortes, the Canadian islands and eventually San Diago. Later they returned to Silverton trading their sailboat for a motorhome, continuing their many adventures until Nora's death in 2013.
Bud was also an avid Runner, completing numerous 10ks and two marathons. He lived an extraordinary life and will be remembered by his family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor, his gentle and kind spirit, his deep love and devotion to his family, and most of all, his unwavering faith in his Lord Jesus Christ.
Bud is survived by his children Diane (Robert) Davies, Kathy (Jim) Stanaway, Ron (Joyce) Church, Virginia (Wayland) Johnson And Susan (Matt) Killen; 21 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nora, and his son, Richard.