Claude “Bud” Colip, USAF (Retired)
February 16, 1936 – October 04, 2012

Bud passed away peacefully at home with his wife Donna by his side on Oct. 04, 2012.

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from high school he joined the United States Air Force. Bud was an Inflight Air Refueling Operator for over 22 years flying in KC 135’s and KC 97’s. While in Southeast Asia, during the Vietnam War, he crossed trained into helicopter Rescue.

After retiring from the Air Force Bud purchased a semi-truck and was an owner operator for around 10 years, and loved listening to country western music while he drove.

He loved fishing the Delta and local lakes, making his own lures, watching NASCAR and football on T.V.

Organization’s that Bud was affiliated with include, a candidate coach with the Yosemite Masonic Lodge #99, member of the Fresno Scottish Rite and the Tehran Temple Shrine, Merced Elks, U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, American Legion Post 83, Life member of Winton VFW Post 7792 and charter life member of the In Flight Refueling Association.

Bud is survived by his wife Donna, son Steve and daughter Kelly. He also has three grandchildren, Makayla Hunt, Allison and Emily Odishoo.

Services for Bud will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, October 18, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Full military honors will be provided by Travis Air Force Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Merced Hinds Hospice, cancer research or Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Published in Merced Sun Star on Oct. 13, 2012