Albert "Bud" Richard Ledin

Albert "Bud" Richard Ledin (94) of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away peacefully October 17, 2019 after a short illness. He attended St. Claire's grammar school and De La Salle Catholic High School in Chicago, and St. Mary's College in Minnesota. Al was a Chicago air raid warden in 1942 and joined the Navy in 1943. He served aboard the oiler U.S.S. Winooski as a Motor Machinist's Mate, receiving four battle stars during duty in the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theatres. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After his naval service, Al began work for the Willett company as a diesel mechanic for 86 cents an hour. After 42 ½ years, the Willett companies were sold, and he retired as Director of Purchasing. During this time, Al and his first wife Glenda (deceased) raised five children. Al was a superb sportsman, excelling at softball, hardball, football, bowling, and golf. He loved being a football coach for his sons with St.Turibius parish. He had the first 700+ series at Leland Bowl in Chicago. He beat his age of 74 in golf with a 73. He hunted with rifle, shotgun, and bow and arrow. His favorite excursion was bowhunting in Canada for caribou near the arctic circle with his son Steve. Al raced motorcycles and had at least one bike from 1946 until he sold his last Harley to his son at age 80 for one dollar. In 1990 Al moved to Bella Vista, Ark., also known as his "Little Bit of Heaven", and there met Marlys. They were wed in 1992 at Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs. Al loved playing golf and was able to enjoy the game until 2014. He lived on the 8th hole at Highlands golf club and searched for hidden golf balls almost every day, cleaned them in his home washing machine and gave them to friends, churches, and the First Tee. Al found and donated untold thousands of balls every year. Al and Marly traveled to countries around the world and enjoyed golfing in some very exotic locations. Al was an active participant in the Bella Vista golfing community, playing in and on several groups and courses, often volunteering for tournaments near and far. He enjoyed making and repairing golf clubs for others and often generously gave away the fruits of his creation. Albert was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and enjoyed going to mass and praying the rosary. Al was preceded in death by his sons Chris and Joe, and is survived by his wife Marlys, son Steve, and daughters Cathy and Kara. Al has 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, October 26th at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 10a.m., followed by a luncheon for all attendees. Internment services will be held at Highlands Church columbarium at 3p.m., for immediate family and close friends. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.