Wallace Arthur “Budd” Saunders, 83, of Elkins, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019 in Fayetteville. He was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on December 13, 1935.
He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with BA and MA degrees. Budd was a U.S. Army veteran and served as a paratrooper in the 187th Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division.
Budd was a husband, a father and a grandfather. More than that, Budd was a wit, an intellectual, an adventurer. He was a teacher, journalist, writer, beatnik, singer, social worker, political activist, firebrand, detective, soldier, mercenary.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy Miller Saunders and their precious daughter Gwynnlian Victoria Saunders. Their dog Mari is happy and healthy on an Elkins farm in the care of a friend.
He is survived by his son Rennie Saunders who lives with his wife Eleanor and their son Leo in San Francisco.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers and doctors at the Veterans Administration. He was always voicing his appreciation of the care he received. We also want to give a special thanks to Visiting Angels for the support and kindness shown to our family. We appreciate the loving care that Lewis and Robin gave as they supported Budd in his last months.
To all his friends and companions at the American Legion Post 27 – your friendship was everything to him. Watch your six, and carry on!
A public memorial and celebration of Budd’s life will take place at the Shelton Tucker Craft Post 27 of the American Legion on Saturday June 29, 2019 from 12-2 PM. Information can be found at www.legionpost27.org
In his own words; “I hope whatever passes for a higher deity in this universe doesn’t take too much umbrage with my actions in this life. I’m not proud of a lot of them, but I did what I thought was right in the moment, I took care of my family and friends as best as I could, and well, to hell with it if he can’t take a joke.”
Memorials may be made in his name to any organization that directly supports our servicemen and servicewomen, in uniform and veteran, The G.V.G. “Tori” Saunders or The Nancy Miller Saunders Endowed Award in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas, 300 UNHS, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
God Bless America!
Budd was a great man and brought his wit to bear on the issues plaguing us. I lived away but searched for his commentary because his was a bright voice in a dark world. I did not know him as well as I would have liked to, but what I did know I admired.
I am so sorry to hear of Budd’s Passing. I always looked forward to seeing him and Nancy when they would come into Jose’s on Dickson for Lunch. Wonderful people !! RIP Budd and give Nancy a kiss on the cheek for me.
So sorry to hear about your father’s death. I am a friend from the 60’s. He was good friends with my husband, Jim Johnson. We knew your dad back in his rather wild days when he was married to another friend of ours, Kathy. Both of my sons remember your dad well. As would anyone who knew him back in his wild days. Jim always thought that Bud (Tex) was pretending to be Robert Mitchem in the hot rod movies back when he got into trouble during that time. Loved his very special persona! They through away the book when they made Bud.
I was a friend of Bud’s back in his wilder days. He and my husband, Jim Johnson, were good friends when we all lived in Joplin, MO. He was a special individual–they through away the mold when they made him. He and his wife (at the time) Kathy spent many hours in our home back in the late 60’s. Both of my sons knew and respected him. Thanks, Bud, for all the many very special memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Budd when I was waitressing at the D-Lux in Fayetteville and he was full of experience, great wit and intellect, and a poignant point of view about the world. I didn’t know him long or well, but he made a distinct impression on me and I followed his many letters to the editor in the subsequent years, always reading them with a smile and the fond memory of his personable nature. Rest In Peace!
Farewell Trooper brother of the 11th Airborne Division until we form again
Bud the only thing that makes this ok is the fact that you and Nancy are together again.
Budd was in my first class at the University of Arkansas. There he sat with his feet propped up on another desk, smoking a cigarette and drinking a coke. I was from a small town and didn’t know folks could do that in a classroom. He was a good bit older, as I had not yet turned eighteen. I thought I was in the wrong class. He was talking as an equal with our professor. I didn’t know you could do that, either. I was scared of him. Later in life, when he was teaching in Springfield, we were reintroduced by a mutual friend, and dated a bit. He was so brilliant and always fun. Our lives went in different directions, but we enjoyed a few phone calls much later after he met and married his true love, Nancy. I told him then that I was glad he found someone who could match his intelligence. I did not know she had preceded him in death. My life was brightened by knowing him. Thanks for the memories, Budd! My condolences to his remaining family. May your memories of this brilliant force of nature give you comfort.
So sorry and sad to learn of Budds passing. Loved him and Nancy dearly.Condolences to the family Budd was so proud of.