Richard Arthur Budden

Richard Arthur Budden of Scotts passed into eternity on Sunday, May 25th at his home. He was born June 3rd, 1938 in Saginaw, Michigan. His parents were Katherine (Holliday) Budden and Loring Wm. Budden. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1956. After a year at Bay City Junior College he attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., graduating in 1960.

Also on May 29th, 1960, Dick married Donna Hayward of Scotts, Mich. (it was a busy year). He had been the short-term pastor of the Scotts and Fulton Methodist Churches there. The young couple then moved to Cumberland, Md., where he was the pastor of Davis Memorial Church. At this same time he attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1963 with a Master’s Degree in Divinity. While at Wesley, he enjoyed being part of the Seminary Singers.

After being ordained an Elder in the Methodist Church, Dick was assigned to the churches in Horton and Hanover, Mich. It was while they were there that their son, Jon Richard was born in 1963, and their daughter, Karen Elizabeth in 1965. In 1966 they moved to Battle Creek, Mich., where he was the pastor of Baseline Methodist Church. He loved to write poems which he often used in his sermons, and to teach Bible studies.

In January, 1969 he changed church denominations and was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor. Moving to Palmyra, Mich., he became the pastor of the Presbyterian church there and at Holloway. While living near Adrian, he attended Siena Heights College where he received his Master’s in Education in 1972. In 1974, he made another career change and was employed by the State of Michigan as a counselor/social worker. He retired from this work in 1996.

During these years he continued serving the Lord in ministry part-time or as an interim pastor in churches in Munger, Bethany Church in Gobles, Homer and East Minster Presbyterian Church in East Lansing, Michigan. He also enjoyed teaching a Bible Study class at the Kalamazoo Covenant Church for many years. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially University of Michigan football.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents, his brother and sisters-in-law, Harry and Anne Budden, Loring and Elaine Budden, and his sister, Ruth Chesher; also his nephews, Harry Budden Jr., Robert Budden and James Chesher, sister-in-law Judith Drallette, and brothers-in-law, Clair Hayward, David Hudson, David Hayward, and Dale Hayward.

Dick was survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna, son, Jon R. Budden (Roxanne), daughter, Karen E. Newlon (Danial) grandchildren, Joshua Newlon (Kiersten), Kaitlyn Newlon, Angel Lewis (Alex), and Kyrsten Newlon, and one great grandchild, Samuel Joshua Newlon.

Also surviving Dick are dear brothers and sisters-in-law: Shirley Hudson, DeWayne and Lorraine Drallette, Nancy Hayward, Jennie Hayward, Allan and Carol Hayward, Joyce and Russell Guetschow, and George and Ellie Hayward. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM, at Country Christian EF Church 9286 S. 36th St., Scotts 49088.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Centrica Care Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or Country Christian EF Church.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Richard’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Budden family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.