Obituary of Jennings "Bud" Herbert Mease Jr.

Jennings H. “Bud” Mease, 86 passed away peacefully at his home on September 27, 2023 with family by his side after spending the morning in the sun gazing at the mountains. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina to Ellen Page and Jennings H. Mease, who preceded him in death.

Bud is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan Mease; four of his five children and their significant others; Michael Mease and Anja Seddig, Stacey Mease and her husband Tony Tolson, Suzann Mease and her husband Scott Hebrink, Kristen MacGilvery and her husband Kevin MacGilvery. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren Tyler Hebrink, Madison Hebrink, Maxwell Tripp,

Sydney Abeloe, Erik Abeloe and Keira MacGilvery. In addition to his parents, Bud has been reunited with his daughter Kelli Mease, his sister Rosie Porter and his niece Becky Wallendall.

At the young age of 4, Bud lost his father, who was a pilot Missing In Action in the Army Air Corp during World War II. His mother then married a Field Artillery officer and Bud became a true “Army Brat”, growing up across the globe. He attended high school in Nuernberg and then Munich Germany – where he met his future spouse, Susan Shepard. He then attended school in Lawton, Oklahoma and went on to graduate from High School in El Paso, Texas. Hence, the reason Bud always considered himself both German and Texan. He spoke both languages well!

Growing up surrounded by military, Bud developed a strong desire to serve his country. Bud spent one year at Virginia Military Institute thoroughly enjoying his VMI Rat experience as well as the opportunity to room with his future brother-in-law, Phil Shepard. The stories they have to tell are plentiful! The next year, Bud continued his education at the United States Military Academy, West Point. While at West Point, Bud played football and was a champion boxer. After graduating from West Point, he embarked on a rewarding and highly successful 30 year military career retiring as a Colonel. He truly lived by his motto, “It’s a great day to be in the Army.” There were three tours in Germany, two in Vietnam, one in the Netherlands, The Pentagon, Ft. Hood, Ft. Sill, Presidio of San Francisco and culminating as the Senior Army Advisor to the Utah National Guard, where he received the Minute Man Award.

Upon retirement from the military, Bud and Susan settled down in Sandy, Utah at the base of the Wasatch mountains, where Bud worked for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City for 11 years. Utah was the perfect fit for Bud as he was an avid skier and hiker. It didn’t take him long to become well acquainted with the many trails and slopes of the Wasatch.

Bud often said, the smartest decision he ever made was taking Susan Shepard to be his partner for life. Together they formed a team raising their five children while traversing the globe for the military. Family was always first for Bud. He was a dedicated father and nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife and their children. Bud not only treasured his family, but the many friends he met throughout his life. In his retirement years there were many reunions and travels with his treasured friends from high school, VMI, West Point and his many duty stations.

For more than 30 years, Bud was an active member of Saint Thomas More Parish in Sandy, Utah. While he enjoyed the many activities and gatherings with the church, a favorite past time for him was documenting the occasions by taking many pictures and sharing them with church members. He was a charter member of the St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council.

Bud was a devoted Catholic, a loving father and spouse, and trusted friend to all. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sandy, Utah at 11:00 am on Saturday November 11, 2023. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 3:30 pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for the Wounded Warrior Project www.wounderwarriorproject.org