Bud was born Vernon Clement Muckenthaler on Wednesday, September 15, 1926, to Clement and Lucy Muckenthaler in Paxico, Kansas. Bud passed from this life on Saturday, September 11, 2010, having lived life to the fullest for 83 years, 11 months, and 27 days.

Bud graduated from Paxico Rural High School in 1944 and immediately joined the United States Navy on June 2, 1944. He served as a gunner aboard the USS LST 836 and was honorably discharged as a Fireman First Class on November 6, 1945. Following his service to his Country, he soon moved to Tulsa to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics where he obtained his aviation mechanics license. Bud began working for American Airlines in Tulsa in 1948 as an aircraft mechanic, retiring as a Crew Chief in the Seat Shop in 1988.

In the summer of 1950, Bud met Balbina Alice (Bobbie) Rodriguez and the two were married on June 9, 1951, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Tulsa. Their marriage strengthened for 59 years, 3 months, and 2 days. They had 4 beautiful children, Cindy Smith, Tom Muckenthaler, Carol Bryan and Cathy Richardson, who honored them with 13 grandchildren: Tim, Jason, David, Jamie, Alan, Jenna, Jake, Meghan, Cory, Daniel, Amanda, Alyssa, and Brady, and 1 great-grandchild Dillon. Their children were Bud's constant joy and he was so very proud of every one of them. Bud was a vocal spectator at countless graduations, gyms, dance recitals, ball diamonds, football and soccer fields, and golf courses. Bud was an avid woodworker creating most of their furniture; he loved his garden; and dedicated many hours defending his pecan trees against invading squirrels.

Bud and Bobbie were active members of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church for over 45 years. Bud lived his faith daily and openly. Bud was genuinely interested in people and what was going on in their lives. He was a skilled and patient listener. Bud instilled confidence in those around him and he encouraged them to reach beyond themselves. He instilled a deep sense of self reliance in everyone he mentored, with his famous saying, "if you are going to do something, do it right, or don't do it at all."

Bud was preceded in death by his father Clement, mother Lucy, sisters Gladys Hunter and Rose Muckenthaler, brothers Edwin and Paul Muckenthaler, and grandson Cory Smith. He is also survived by his brother Bill Muckenthaler, and sisters Stella Muckenthaler, Mae Thornton, Betty Michelle, and Anita Marstall. Rosary 5:30 PM Tuesday, September 14, 2010, and Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 15, 2010, both at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1436 N. 67th East Avenue, Tulsa. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500. www.fitzgeraldsouthwoodchapel.com