William "Bud" Frank Middleton

William Frank (Buddy) Middleton, passed away early Monday, September 28, 2020, at his home in Wappapello, MO.  Buddy was born October 7, 1941, to Woot and Viola (Rainey) Middleton of Vulcan, MO, and is survived by one son, Gordon Middleton, and a grandson, Andrew Middleton.  His loving wife Susan also passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Buddy was a great lover of the outdoors, and his favorite activities included fishing, showing off his green thumb in the garden, and traipsing across the hills and hollers of Southeast Missouri in search of ginseng.  Those who knew Bud, have undoubtedly been treated to a tour of a collection of his antique treasures he was so proud of and stories of what each piece was with a brief history.

Buddy worked for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis for over thirty years, and upon his retirement from that position, he taught high school at South Iron High in Annapolis, MO, several years before fully retiring. 

He was always quick to help out with any building project he could, and self-built three of the homes he lived in over the course of his life.  Buddy was also very active in his church community and enjoyed nothing more than singing gospel songs or giving a reading on Sunday. He was a member of Palace of Praise Church for many years. 

Anyone who ever interacted with Buddy was no doubt treated to a corny joke and a hearty laugh…he never knew a stranger. 

Thank you, Dad for being the person you were—one who tried his best every day to set an example for his family and others.  May you and Susan rest in peace and until we meet again, I love you, and will live with the knowledge that your faith has carried you through.  So long for a while.

A joint visitation and funeral service was held for Bud and Susan, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. Visitation was 12:30 pm, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Mike Lampkin ministered to the family. Gordon Middleton, John Walters, Jason Gildehaus, Gary Patterson, Roy Million, and David Davis served as pallbearers. Burial was in Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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