Donald Eugene 'Bud' Missman, 93

Donald Eugene “Bud” Missman lost his fight for life after 93 years on Feb. 5, 2024, while residing at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born Nov.  17, 1930, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, along with his twin sister, Dona to Eugene and Mary Missman.

Bud joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and retired after serving 20 years on the West Coast, South Pacific and Korean War. He retired as a chief machinist mate. Bud served on several U.S. destroyers and repair ships. During his shore duty years, he was assigned to the Naval Training Center in San Diego (NTC) as a company commander with the recruit training center. He trained several companies of recruits, also serving as a swimming instructor.

Bud was married to Dixie Ann Marsh for 63 years. They had four children, Nick Hansen (Diane), Cheri Sloan (Steve), Bruce Missman and Dave Missman (Lanette).

Bud worked for several sawmills after retiring from the service as a boiler operator/millwright.  There are very few mechanical or structural projects he could not repair or build. He built several homes, barns and buildings during his later years. The last home he built was in Lakeside where he enjoyed driving his ‘cat’ dozer. Bud loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, camping and of course a good beer, oatmeal, Dixie’s apple pie and coffee. He claimed his oatmeal took him into his 90s.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie, parents and several siblings.

Bud is survived by his children, Nick, Cheri, Bruce and Dave along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his black lab, Bella.

Military honors will be performed April 26, 2024, 11 a.m. at the Conrad Cemetery.

    Donald Eugene “Bud” Missman