Wilbert “Bud” Wankum Sr., 92, Meta, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 22, 2022.
He was born in Meta July 28, 1929, to the late George Anton and Louise Antoinette (Porting) Wankum in Meta.
He was united in marriage to Roselyn Margaret Stegeman Oct. 1, 1955, in Folk.
Bud honorably served his country in the U. S. Army.
He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and interestingly as a young man one of his first jobs was stitching baseballs used for the game. Bud also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, gardening, and spent endless hours tending to his family farm. He loved country music and enjoyed singing, dancing and playing cards.
Bud volunteered for many years at the COMM-Unity Ambulance Building and was a member of the Over 50 Club and a faithful parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta, which he had a hand in building when he was only a teenager.
He always had a story or tall-tale to share with anyone lucky enough to have a sit-down with him and he lived his life in a very humble and kind manner, always there to help anyone in any way he could. Bud’s heart was so big that even during his last weeks he spoke of how he wished he had more time left so that he could help more people. Since he is no longer here to do so, please take a moment of your day to do something kind for another person in his honor.
He was preceded in death by loving wife, Roselyn; parents, George and Louise; brothers, Arthur and Elmer Wankum; and sisters, Mildred Wankum, Bernadine Rehagen and Helen Jaegers.
Bud is survived by children, Vicki Brown and husband Lee, Doris Wankum Hoffman and husband Mike and Joe Wankum and wife Pat, all of Columbia, Wilbert Wankum Jr. of Meta, Ronda Binkley and husband Dale, Pat Wankum and wife Cherie, Julia Harrison and husband Lance and Kevin Wankum, all of Jefferson City; grandchildren, Chrissy Brown, Jessica Brown, Ryan Brown and wife Carrie, Kara Miedema and husband Eric, Shaina Meyer and husband Corey, Hannah Wankum and wife Allison, Darren Binkley, Bryana Chitwood and husband Hunter, Lauren Wankum, Abby Wankum, Alexandria Wankum, Zach Wankum and wife Taylor, Christopher Wankum, Allison Wankum, Ben Harrison and Brady Harrison; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Roman Wankum and Ronald Wankum and wife Helen; sister, Alice Baumhoer; sisters-in-law, Mary Wankum and Catherine Wankum; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, June 27, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta with Fr. Leonard Mukiibi officiating.
Interment with military honors was in St. Cecilia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the COMM-Unity Ambulance, St. Jude’s or the American Heart Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.
