Bud Stockdale

Waldo Fife “Bud” Stockdale finished his journey here on earth and returned to his Heavenly Father on January 19, 2024, at the age of 92.  Bud was born on his family farm in Franklin, Idaho, on November 29, 1931, to Reed Goasland Stockdale and Jean Fife Stockdale.  He was the oldest of three children.

He attended grade school in Franklin, Idaho, through the 8^th grade and then went on to graduate from Preston High School in 1950.  He was involved in track, tennis, basketball, and Future Farmers of America. He was also a cheerleader his senior year.  Bud signed up for the military draft; however, he received a deferment from the military so he could serve as a missionary in the Northern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Upon returning from his mission, he was drafted into the Army to serve as an office clerk in the Korean War. As a proud American, Bud Stockdale's allegiance to his country was unwavering. It is fitting that his final journey from home would be draped in the symbol of freedom and unity- the American Flag. A poignant tribute to a man who dedicated a part of his life in service to the nation.  

After the war, he came home and attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City where he met Lorna “Coleen” Wells.  They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 9, 1956.  Bud and Coleen were blessed with five sons. Bud's career in sales took them from Pocatello, Idaho to Colorado where he and Coleen raised their family.  He loved talking with people and made friends everywhere he went.  After 30 years of marriage, Coleen unexpectedly passed away on March 23, 1987. 

In late summer of 1987 when Bud went to an All School Reunion in Franklin Idaho, he became reacquainted with Camille Robinson Beckstead through mutual friends. They began dating, got engaged, and were married in the Jordan River Temple on November 7, 1987, and were later sealed in the Denver Colorado Temple on January 30, 1988.  Camille brought three girls and two boys to the marriage, making a total of ten children between them.  A friend of Bud’s made the comment, “Most men only get to marry once and are fortunate to have one good wife, but Bud, you have been blessed to have had two great wives!” Bud and Camille have lived in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, since 1991.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bud served in numerous callings and leadership positions in both ward and stake levels.  Some of these included working with the youth in the Mutual Improvement Association (MIA), stake and regional sports director, High Counselor, and a bishopric counselor.  While he was the High Counselor over the stake activities, he took basketball officials training and became a member of IABO (International Association of Basketball Officials).  He officiated high school, church, and recreational basketball games and also took the test to become a volleyball official.  He spent a lot of time on the ball courts.

Bud always had a very nice singing voice.  He could sing bass, tenor, or anything you wanted him to do.  He sang in choirs and barbershop quartets, which he loved.  He loved listening to good wholesome music. It would bring a big smile to his face and often a tear to his eye.

Bud was the world’s best home teacher and neighbor.  He was always serving others.  Bud and Camille had a beautiful home where they welcomed their family and friends to come for short and extended stays.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Camille and his five sons: Reed (Eve) Stockdale, Gurnee, IL; Robert (Jeana) Stockdale, Kaysville, UT; Bud K (Cathy) Stockdale, Troy, MI; David (MarShel) Stockdale, Franklin, ID; and Steven Stockdale, Millcreek, UT.  Stepchildren: Beverly (Scott) Rice, Irvine, CA; Barbara Burnett, Centerville, UT; Susan (Brian) Tjarks, Mitchell, SD; Brad (Pam) Beckstead, Henderson, NV; Scott (Jackie) Beckstead, Sutherlin, OR; survived by his brother Gordon (Jenine) Stockdale, Fort Collins, CO; along with 32 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Coleen; daughter-in-law, Agnes Stockdale; sister, Elaine Pettingill; and brother-in-law, Lynn Pettingill.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Butler 20^th Ward Chapel, 845 E 7200 S, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.  There will be a live broadcast of the funeral service for those who would like to view it.  Please check Bud’s obituary at Jenkins-Soffe for the link to the broadcast.  The family will meet with friends Friday evening, February 9^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday morning, 8:30-9:30 A.M. February 10^th, at the church on 1845 E 7200 S in Cottonwood Heights.  Interment will be Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Franklin Idaho Cemetery with military rites.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.