Carlos D. "Bud" Votaw, age 82 of Wellfleet passed away Thursday September 8, 2016 at Great Plains Health due to the results of a stroke suffered in May 2015. He was ready to join loved ones in heaven and be pain free.
Bud was born on August 5, 1934 in Curtis, NE to John R. and Eva (Poteet) Votaw, according to his mother, the hottest day of the year! He grew up on the family farm northeast of Wellfleet, attended Community Center School, District 70 in Lincoln County through the 8th grade and graduated from the Curtis Aggies (Nebraska School of Agriculture) in 1952. In 1958 Bud was drafted into the Army, stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1959 to return to farming and ranching with his father. On November 22, 1959 Bud was married to Charlene A. Rose of North Platte and was blessed with 57 years with his best friend and love of his life. Bud loved farming and ranching for 20 years, growing irrigated corn and wheat and raising registered Angus cattle, and having a buffalo herd later in life, which was an interesting experience as well. Bud was employed at the North Platte Regional Airport for 11 years as maintenance supervisor. After retiring again, and with his love of cooking, Bud's Steakhouse and Camp Ground at Lake Maloney south of North Platte, was the next endeavor. After health problems he retired again, this time back to his home on the farm in rural Wellfleet where he enjoyed his hobbies of cooking, gardening, wood working, reading, puzzles, attending church functions and enjoying time with his family. He was a 4-H leader and sponsor of the Wellfleet UMYF, coached girls softball, was a member of the Oddfellows, Eagles, Moose, Elks, and Harmony Community Club and Country Gardeners. He was a member of the Wellfleet United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Council. He was on the Maywood Public School Board for a term, serving as treasurer.
Bud is survived by his wife Charlene of Wellfleet; 3 children Cindy Cynova of Denver, CO, Camille Votaw of North Platte, and Christopher (Shelby Forrester) Votaw of Oconto, NE; 7 grandchildren Charity (Justin) Harvey of Westminster, CO, Mandi (Nate) Smith of Crested Butte, CO, Cody (Monica) McCown of Albuquerque, NM, Jaide Votaw of Kearney, NE, Zebediah Greeley of North Platte, Denton Votaw of Callaway, and Danielle (Jud Gallardo) Greeley of North Platte; 6 great grandchildren, Vivienne and Aliyah Smith, Ace and Ryder McCown, Holden Gallardo, and Gwendolyn Harvey; his siblilngs Jeanenne (Darryl) Pickett of AZ, David (Barbara) Votaw of Holdrege, NE, John (Norma) Votaw of Wellfleet, and Debby (Bob) Adams of WA; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by son Craig Allen Votaw; his parents John and Eva Votaw; and parents-in-law Charles and Hazel Rose.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday September 12, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Wellfleet Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday September 11, 2016 with family receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.