David Sharp Budd, 85, of Big Piney, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2021. David was born Dec. 17, 1935, in Kemmerer, Wyo., to Dan and Ada Budd. He descended from an early homesteading family; his great-grandfather, Daniel B. Budd, settled in Big Piney country in 1879.

David grew up on the family ranch west of Big Piney and graduated from Big Piney High School in 1955, where true to his character, was voted the silliest, the wittiest, and the biggest flirt. While he was in high school, David met the love of his life, Bonnie Robertson of Jackson, Wyo. He spent a year at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo., and later enlisted in the Army.

David married Bonnie on Oct. 9, 1957, and Bonnie traveled to Maryland where he was stationed. They moved to many different places over the next few years each time David was transferred. In 1960, David was discharged from the Army, and David and Bonnie moved back to the Budd Ranch on Middle Piney. In 1963, they moved their ranch to North Piney, where they lived for the next 57 years. David and Bonnie had two sons, Jeff and Tom; one daughter, Rebecca; and two grandsons, Casey and Christopher.

David was an active member of the community. He served as the president of the Green River Valley Cattlemen's Association, Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, served 50 years as a member of Korein Temple of Shriners and was a member of the Big Piney Congregational Church.

David enjoyed ranching, spending time with his family, fishing and hunting camp with Cotton Guio and friends.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Ada Budd, and two brothers, Danny and Malcolm. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 64 years; two sons, Jeff (Teresa) and Tom; daughter, Rebecca Alexander; grandsons, Casey (Megan) Alexander and Christopher Alexander; brother, Carl Budd; sister-in-law, Kay Robertson and numerous nieces and nephews.

In the words of Max Lucado, “ In God’s plan, every life is long enough and every death is timely. And though you and I might wish a longer life for our loved ones, they don’t. Ironically, the first to accept God’s decision of death is the one who dies. While we are shaking heads in disbelief, they are lifting hands in worship. While we are mourning at a grave, they are marveling in Heaven. While we are questioning God, they are praising God.”

A graveside service and military honors will be held Friday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney.