Eric James Budd was reunited with his beloved wife Jeanette Elizabeth Budd (née Smarsh) on October 7, 2022. Jeanette preceded him in death in 2018.
Eric died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Conway Springs, Kansas. He was 83 years old. Eric was born on October 23, 1938, in Raton, New Mexico to Tom and Irma Budd. He grew up in a loving family and was the youngest of three brothers. He graduated from Raton High School and attended Trinidad State College.
Eric achieved fame as the drummer for rock and roll’s The Fireballs, formed in 1957 with a group of high school friends. During his tenure with the band, they toured the United States and Canada, had a string of Top 40 hits, and made two appearances on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand along with performances on other national and regional shows. Eric served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Korea at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, where he led a HAWK missile system crew. After returning stateside, Eric took a job at Elco Manufacturing Inc. where he worked for many years as a metalworker and welder.
His family will remember him as a warm and cheerful man, always ready to greet anyone with a handshake and a smile. Eric was fond of saying that he never met a stranger; to him, they were just a friend he hadn’t spoken to yet. His greatest joy was his family and he often joked about having more and more birthdays to keep track of as it grew over the years with each new addition.
Eric is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Mandy and Daron Peters of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter and son-in-law Marci and Steve Segura of Raton, New Mexico; his son and daughter-in-law Joshua and Laura Budd of Wichita, Kansas; son and daughter-in-law Jesse and Jacqueline Budd of Harper, Kansas; his brother Nelson Budd; his grandchildren Derek Martinez and wife Michelle, Laynee Segura, Donovan Peters, Kitty Peake, Toby Peake, John Budd, Joey Budd, Henry Budd, Gia Budd, Marlowe Budd, and great-grandson Mason Martinez.
Cremation has taken place. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Visitation with the family present is 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harper Recreation Committee and can be sent to care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, KS 67058.
Online condolences can be left at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com
