It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arden Leroy Budden at the age of 83 as he finished his journey here on Earth February 2, 2021. Arden, a lifelong Kansan, was born January 6, 1938, in Oakhill, Kansas, the first son of the late Lyman and Florence Budden.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gailen F. Budden; and his beloved wife, Lola.
Carrying his memory are his children-daughter, Luanne (Wendal) North; sons, Lile (Deidre) Budden, John (Yvonne) Ritzel, Mike (Lorella) Ritzel, and Bill (Brandi) Ritzel; brothers, Bradley Budden and Tim Budden; sister, Kelly Budden; step-mother, Josephine Budden; and ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Arden spent his childhood in Abilene and when the family moved to Wakefield, he attended Wakefield High (Class of 1956), where he loved sports. He excelled in football, basketball and track and was a state champion runner and high school record holder.
During his life he proudly and honorably served in the US Army and the Kansas National Guard. He was the City Superintendent for the City of Wakefield; owned and operated a television/repair shop in Junction City, Kansas; and worked as a civil servant for the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Fort Riley, Kansas where he received several distinct honors and awards for his innovative ideas while employed.
His pastimes included reading western books-especially Louis L'Amour, solving puzzles, playing card games on the computer and "treasure hunting". He was a skilled carpenter and was intrigued by the working components of gadgets he tinkered with. He loved sharing his vast knowledge of the local Wakefield Community history and stories of others he'd met along his life's journey. He volunteered at the local museum and was an avid golfer, hitting the pinnacle "Hole in One" while golfing with his buddies at a local Manhattan golf course. He especially enjoyed rounds of golf and tons of laughs with his brother, Gailen, and his wife, Phyllis.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., February 17, 2021, at Highland Cemetery in Wakefield, KS
Following the graveside service, family and friends will gather at Scanolli's, 306 Dogwood Street, Wakefield, Kansas, for visitation and reflection on Arden's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arden's memory can be made to the Wakefield Museum, P O Box 193, Wakefield, Kansas 67487, or to a church or charity of your choice