Melvin J. "Mike" Budge

Our loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region at age 92. The son of the late Dr. Melvin Joseph and Florence (Hall) Budge was born March 22, 1924 in Ithaca, MI. Mike was a member of Grace Church West Campus. He retired from T.L. Handy High School as the Vice Principal and Athletic Director. He went to Alma College where he was a four sport letterman, graduated receiving a bachelor's degree and went on to graduate from Michigan State with a master's degree. Mike coached basketball, football and track for many years. He was a lifelong tennis player with his good friend Bob White. He enjoyed spending time with his family, spending time outdoors and camping. He was a biologist and an accomplished woodcarver, specializing in Michigan birds and fish. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during W.W. II. Left behind to cherish his memories are his three children, Barbara (Steve) Johnston of Bloomfield Hills; Betsy (John) Pike of Auburn and Jeff (Dawn) Budge of West Branch; his grandchildren, Carrie (Brad) Bescoe; Katie (Joe) Barber; Susie Johnston; Elizabeth Pike; Michael (Amanda) Budge and Laura Budge; his great grandchildren, Gracie and Tommy Bescoe and Philip Barber; one brother, William Budge; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Budge and Evelyn Smith and brother-in-law Gary (Brenda) Smith; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Phyllis H. (Smith) Budge whom he married August 28, 1948. She passed away on June 25, 2012. He is also preceded in death by one brother, Robert Budge and one sister, Betty Fowler. Funeral Services will take place will take place Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Eric Kieb with interment following in Elm Lawn Cemetery followed by Military Honor's conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the U.S. Air Force. The family will be present at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Bay County Veterans Council. www.gephartfuneralhome.com