Carlos D. "Bud" Votaw

Carlos D. "Bud" Votaw

Aug. 5, 1934 - Sept. 8, 2016

WELLFLEET, Neb. -- Carlos D. "Bud" Votaw, age 82, of Wellfleet, passed away Thursday Sept. 8, 2016, at Great Plains Health due to the results of a stroke suffered in May 2015. He was ready to join loved ones in heaven and be pain free.

Bud was born on Aug. 5, 1934, in Curtis, Neb., to John R. and Eva (Poteet) Votaw, according to his mother, on the hottest day of the year! He grew up on the family farm northeast of Wellfleet, attended Community Center School, District 70 in Lincoln County through the eighth grade and graduated from the Curtis Aggies (Nebraska School of Agriculture) in 1952. In 1958, Bud was drafted into the Army, stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1959, to return to farming and ranching with his father.

On Nov. 22, 1959, Bud was married to Charlene A. Rose of North Platte and was blessed with 57 years with his best friend and love of his life. Bud loved farming and ranching for 20 years, growing irrigated corn and wheat. raising registered Angus cattle and having a buffalo herd later in life, which was an interesting experience as well.

Bud was employed at the North Platte Regional Airport for 11 years as maintenance supervisor. After retiring again, and with his love of cooking, Bud's Steakhouse and Camp Ground at Lake Maloney south of North Platte was the next endeavor. After health problems, he retired again, this time back to his home on the farm in rural Wellfleet, where he enjoyed his hobbies of cooking, gardening, wood working, reading, puzzles, attending church functions and enjoying time with his family.

He was a 4-H leader and sponsor of the Wellfleet UMYF, coached girls softball, was a member of the Oddfellows, Eagles, Moose, Elks, and Harmony Community Club and Country Gardeners. He was a member of the Wellfleet United Methodist Church and served on the administrative council. He was on the Maywood Public School Board for a term, serving as treasurer.

Bud is survived by his wife, Charlene of Wellfleet; three children, Cindy Cynova of Denver, Colo., Camille Votaw of North Platte and Christopher (Shelby Forrester) Votaw of Oconto, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Charity (Justin) Harvey of Westminster, Colo., Mandi (Nate) Smith of Crested Butte, Colo., Cody (Monica) McCown of Albuquerque, N.M., Jaide Votaw of Kearney, Neb., Zebediah Greeley of North Platte, Denton Votaw of Callaway and Danielle (Jud Gallardo) Greeley of North Platte; six great-grandchildren, Vivienne and Aliyah Smith, Ace and Ryder McCown, Holden Gallardo, and Gwendolyn Harvey; his siblings, Jeanenne (Darryl) Pickett of Arizona, David (Barbara) Votaw of Holdrege, Neb., John (Norma) Votaw of Wellfleet, and Debby (Bob) Adams of Washington; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by son, Craig Allen Votaw; his parents, John and Eva Votaw; and parents-in-law, Charles and Hazel Rose.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services were today, Sept. 12, 2016, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Inurnment followed at the Wellfleet Cemetery with full military honors.

Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.