Buddy Lee Lashley

Buddy Lee Lashley

July 18, 1945 - Feb. 3, 2015

CURTIS, Neb. -- Buddy Lee Lashley, 69, parted from this life Feb. 3, 2015.

He was born on July 18, 1945, to Buddy Milton and Mary Lea Lashley in McCook, Nebraska. At the age of one week, his mother left him in the care of his grandmothers, Ella Lashley and Elizabeth Robeson, while she went to Texas where his father was in basic training. He didn't see his father until he came back after World War II. Buddy attended country school for K-8 and then to McCook High School. While in high school, he was involved with football and FFA. Upon graduation, his parents helped him acquire a farm south of Curtis. Starting out with 10 head of Angus cows, some sows and milk cows, he began his farm on the 480 acres and it successfully grew to over 350 head of cattle before his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Norma Hansen on Dec. 28, 1963. They made their home on the farm south of Curtis. To this union five children were born: Michael (infant deceased), Ted, Dana, Todd (infant deceased) and Dora. On Dec. 28, 2014, they celebrated 51 years of marriage.

In 1965, Bud applied for the State Farmer degree. He was the Nebraska State Star Farmer that year. The following year he applied for the American Farmer degree and was also granted that honor as well.

Bud started in the contracting business 1967. In 1973, BSB Construction was formed with Bud, Sheldon Spickelmier and Ben Lashley. BSB continued to grow starting with terracing and growing up to large watershed dams, moving on through the years expanding into state highway work and commercial developments. Bud was active in Nebraska Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) for many years, holding the offices of board member, vice president and president in 1991-1992. He ran for national president in 1997. In 1999, Bud was awarded the Nebraska Contractor of the year award. He was a member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). He continued to work his construction business until his health would no longer permit.

Bud was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Curtis. He served on the Ag Valley Coop board for several years. He was given the honor of honorary chapter farmer by the Medicine Valley Chapter FFA. His construction and farming were the passions in his life, besides his family.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Ted and wife, Renee, Dana and husband, Jeff Lueth, Dora and husband, Kris Schaffert; six grandchildren, Eric and wife, Cassie Lueth, Tate Lueth, Nathan and Rachel Lashley and Aden and Kade Schaffert; brothers, Ben Lashley and wife, Karen and Tom Lashley and wife, Lana; sister, Judy Splitt; mother-in-law, Dorothy Hansen; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Buddy M. Lashley; mother, Mary Lashley; father-in-law, Elwin Hansen and sons, Michael Lee and Todd Evan.

He leaves behind a host of relatives, friends, and business associates. Bud will be remembered for his ability to talk to anyone and a smile that wouldn't quit.

Memorials will go to causes about which Bud felt passionate.

Visitation will be at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, 1 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 5-7 p.m.

Services will be at First United Methodist Church in Curtis, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow in the Garden Prairie Cemetery, south of Maywood, Nebraska.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Curtis is in charge of arrangements.