Harland A. “Bud” Lash, Sr., 82, formerly of Blue Mound and Springfield, IL, peacefully went to join many of his family and his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 4, 2010 with his wife by his side.
Bud was born to Neuton H. Neal and Hattie Mae Bridges Neal (Lash) on February 5, 1928 in South Fork (Springfield), IL. He was the youngest of 19 children. Bud was a World War II and Korean War Veteran, serving in the Navy Seabee Construction Battalion on Guam and in French Morocco, Africa as a heavy equipment operator building air strips. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. When he returned home, he became a professional Semi Driver and drove for over 46 years, retiring from ADM, Decatur, IL and re-retiring from Mariah Boats in Benton, IL. He was a man who knew no stranger and had friends all over the 48 states. He was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed all facets of hunting -- big game to small, and also fishing. He loved riding his motorcycle his whole life, was an avid Cub fan and NASCAR fan.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth (Meece-Collins), of Benton, IL and formerly of Decatur, IL; son, Charles A. Lash of Ina, IL; daughters, Gina Williams (Bryan) of Decatur, IL, Sue Graham, Millie Crouse and Audrey Horrigs, all of Springfield, IL; step-sons whom he mentored are Edwin Knight (Sheryl) of Benton, IL, Robert Knight (Tina) of Pana, IL, Channing Knight (Carla) of Warrensburg, IL, and Jack Knight (SukCha) of Jacksonvile, Arkansas. Also surviving Bud are three sisters-in-law, Esther Faust, Roselyn Hoffman (Larry), and Rita Monday (Steve), all of Decatur, IL. Bud is also survived by 53 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews of Independence, MO and Springfield, IL; and his dearest friends, Harry & Mary Petitt of Decatur, IL.
Family members who preceded him in death are: his parents; five brothers; seven sisters; and his first wife, Joyce Bostic; one son, Nuet; three daughters, Wendy Beaver, Lisa Ware and Helen McCauley; one grandson; one step grandson and one step great grandson, whom he adored and missed terribly.
The many, many family and friends will miss his humor, his truckin’ stories and jovial smile and his blue eyes.
The Patriot Guard will escort his procession. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, July 12, 2010 in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL with military honors. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M prior to services at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Blue Mound, IL. Messages of condolence may be directed to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Services will be officiated by Allen Payne, Pastor and Deletta Payne of San Jose, IL.
The family wishes to thank the Southern Illinois Hospice and Nurse Susan Kirk for their love and support, and also Father Trapp of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton, IL.
Bud wasn't my "born to father", but he was a great "Dad"! I know that he loved my Mom, Liz, and was very muched loved by her, as well as by her famikly, of which I count myself a part. Bud is no longer suffering, and shall rest in the arms of the Lord until the rest of his family can join him and rejoice in heaven. May you always feel the love which you inspired on Earth! We love you, Dad!
Bud wasn't my "born to father", but he was a great "Dad"! I know that he loved my Mom, Liz, and was very muched loved by her, as well as by her famikly, of which I count myself a part. Bud is no longer suffering, and shall rest in the arms of the Lord until the rest of his family can join him and rejoice in heaven. May you always feel the love which you inspired on Earth! We love you, Dad!
I speak for my brother Harland Alvey Lash Jr. (Newt), my sister's Lisa, Wendy and Helen. all of whom proceeded my father in death.
My Dad taught us to have a back bone rather than a wish bone. He taught us what a work ethic was all about. We always had food in our stomach, a roof over our heads and shoes on our feet.
My Dad taught me to hunt, to fish, and to drive a truck all things that I have used many times in my life.
Our times with our Dad were sometimes tough. I count those times as the ones that made me who I am today. Strong, confident, and self assured. My Dad told me once when I was a young girl. " You better get an education because you will never get anywhere on your looks." As a twelve year old girl, that stung my heart but I never forgot it and worked hard to maintain my grades in order to please him. Although we were not close in his last years, we were at peace with each other and I know he was proud of me and mine
I know three things,
My Dad is no longer suffering.
I will always be grateful for the good things I got from my father
and I know that someday,, there will be a joyous reunion in heaven where all is forgiven.
Les Condoléances dèrnières
| Ed Knight |
Son |
July 8, 2010 |
All I can say is hank you to the man that raised me and taught how to be the man I am today. I was not born to him but grew to love as if I had been. He was and will always be the only father I really knew. I mourn for my loss but I know his suffering is over and he is in a better place. He will always be with me. Good bye DAD until we meet up again. I love you.
| Jackie Knight |
Son |
July 7, 2010 |
My family and this Nation has lost a true American and a man that was the personification of what it is to be a true Free American. My step Father fittingly passed away on the 4th of July 2010. Harland (Bud) Lash (Front Runner) was an avid gun and motorcycle enthusiast, who greatly Loved the United States and its flag. He enjoyed nothing more than the freedom of the open road whether on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a big truck. He was a retired over the road truck driver who served this nation in the Navy in WWII and Korea. Rest in Peace Now riding on the wings of Angels
