Walter W “Bud” SMALL Jr, 91 years, of Decatur, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015

WW (Bud) Small was born November 16, 1923, in Decatur Nebraska, to Walter and Tessa (Mayberry) Small. He entered into rest surrounded by his family Saturday, at Regency Square Care Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Bud worked with his family in Decatur at the Small Hardware and at the Princess Movie Theater growing up. He played football for the Decatur Bulldogs and graduated from Decatur High School in 1941. Bud joined the Army in 1943.

He returned to Decatur where he married Ida Jane (Blankenbeckler) Small and to this union 2 boys were born. Later Bud was introduced by his sister to Viola Lunz. They were married August 14, 1955, in Martinsburg, Nebraska, and made their home on a farm near Decatur. When Decatur’s Toll bridge opened in 1956 Bud was there to take the first toll and remained on the bridge for 35 years. Viola helped raise Bud’s two young boys and helped on the farm beside her husband until they retired.

He loved to fish and took his family on numerous family vacations. In their later years, they enjoyed going to Florida fishing in the winter. Bud continued to farm in Decatur with his son John and later with his youngest son Dan. Bud continued to overlook the farming operation even after he went to the nursing home. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Tessa (Mayberry) Small, wife; Viola (Lunz) Small, son; John Small, sister; Helen (Small) Gatewood
                                                                                                          
W.W. Small (Bud) is survived by his son, Daniel and Konnie Small of Decatur; Daughter in Law, June Small of Sioux City, IA; His grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Also a host of friends, whose lives, Bud made an impact on.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, October 28, 2015, 10:30 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Decatur

BURIAL WITH MILITARY HONORS: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur

VISITATION: Tuesday 5-7 pm with family receiving friends and MASONIC SERVICE at 7pm, all at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children, PO Box 1327, Fremont, NE 68026