Laddie 'Bud' Rae Cline

Laddie 'Bud' Rae Cline

Dec. 7, 1931 - Sept. 1, 2012

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Laddie "Bud" Rae Cline passed away at his home in Benkelman on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012. He was 80 years old.

Bud was born in Benkelman to Martin O. and Mayme (Strayer) Cline on Dec. 7, 1931. He graduated from Benkelman High School in 1947.

On April 22, 1952, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War aboard the USS Rendova CVE 114 as a gunner's mate. He was honorably discharged on April 21, 1956, and continued in the Reserves for another four years.

Bud was united in marriage to Carol Jean Brown in Benkelman on April 26, 1959. To this union, two children, Marty and Shelli, were born. Bud was owner and operator of Circle B Standard gas station until 1992, at which time he retired to help take care of Carol in her failing health. She passed away in 1993.

On Oct. 19, 1996, he married Patricia Rae Ketler. They lived in Benkelman until the time of Bud's death.

Bud loved hunting, woodworking, collecting coins and arrowheads, and working in his vegetable garden. He especially enjoyed following his grandchildren in all their sports and activities.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Martin and Mayme Cline; his wife, Carol Jean Cline; four brothers, Gerald, John, Bill and Max Cline; and three sisters, Geraldine Mundt, Betty Miller and Sally Yehle.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Cline of Benkelman; son, Marty Cline and wife, Tami, of Callaway; daughter, Shelli and husband, Dr. Kevin Howard, of Grand Island; three grandchildren, Alyson and Courtney Howard and Tanner Cline; sister, Jean Denny of Anaheim, California; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Benkelman Martin Bowles American Legion Post No. 0065. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Graveside services will be Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, 10 a.m. MT at the Benkelman Cemetery with a military honor guard. Rev. Sheila Taylor will officiate.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.