Bud was born on August 3, 1926 in Grand Rapids, MI to Gerritt & Eva DeGood. He grew up on a farm in Ada. Shortly after graduating from Lowell High School, he enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served his country in World War II on LSM 443 in the Pacific.
During his younger years he had many adventures, including a cross country trip with friends and his Harley motorcycle. On September 9, 1948 he married the love of his life Esta Jackson. They settled in Otsego, MI where he was a long time business man and owner of DeGood’s Radiator & Glass.
He was a devoted member of the Otsego United Methodist Church for over seven decades where he enjoyed singing with the choir. He was a long time member of the Otsego Lions Club. He enjoyed golfing, puzzles, and playing cards. He also loved playing the organ and reading the Bible. He cherished his family and adored visits from or hearing stories about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During his retirement years he enjoyed being a snowbird in Dade City, FL.
Bud passed peacefully on February 28, 2020, with his son and daughter by his side.
He was preceded in death by his wife Esta DeGood and daughter Pauline Baldwin.
Surviving children are Dan (MaryAnn) DeGood, Diane (Tim) McPherson, and son-in-law Scott Baldwin. His grandchildren are Chris (Katherine) DeGood, Jeff (Jen) DeGood, Sarah (Marshall) Selkirk, Mike (Melody) McPherson, Laura (Carson) Reinke, & Kelly (Buck) Heid. He cherished his thirteen great-grandchildren – Willem, Adeline, Gerritt, Vega, Dean, Estalynn, Anna, Adam, Elise, Sadie, Renee, James, & Eddie. He is also survived by his siblings Ardyce Skipper & Dale DeGood.
Friends may visit with Bud’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Otsego United Methodist Church until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 P.M., with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego.
Contributions in member of Bud may be made to the Otsego United Methodist Church or to
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Howard G. “Bud” DeGood
Condolence Messages
Penny Baker
February 28, 2020 at 4:58 pm
A good man was Bud DeGood. He worked so hard to help me, a young, single mom of 3 babies under 5yo, to fix my disintegrating car radiator, for pennies on the dollar. I will never forget his kindness.
Penny Pulver Baker
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Jacque Drobny
February 28, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Bud liked to tease and then he would smile! If you needed any work done at his shop, it was done right away.
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Rick Steinke
February 28, 2020 at 5:49 pm
I worked for Bud for ten years at the radiator shop. It was my first job I started the day after I graduated high school. He was a great man and had taught me responsibility and a great work ethic .He was also a very caring man. He had taught me a lot of skills that have carried on thru my life. He was honest and hard working and always set an example for all those who had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be missed . prayer to the family
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Wendy Hendricks Moyer
February 28, 2020 at 6:46 pm
I have find memories of singing in the Otsego UMC Choir with Bud. He was always fun and he had a great voice! My prayers are with the family. God Bless.
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John & Diane Glessner
February 28, 2020 at 9:25 pm
Dear Diane and Tim &
Dan and MaryAnn, and families,
Our hearts are so sad to hear of your dad’s passing! He was a true gentleman and man of God with a great sense of humor! We cared about both Bud and zests a great deal! Our prayers are with you and we hoping to be home from Florida Saturday to attend his memorial.
Sending our prayers and hugs.
Love, John & Diane
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Joe holmes
February 29, 2020 at 7:54 am
Some people enter your life for a short time. I only knew him as a teenager for a couple of years. You could recognize a man you would want to be like. Mr. Degood was one of those men. Rest In Peace Bud.
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Darl and Joyce Gilliland
February 29, 2020 at 11:17 am
Dear Diane, Tim, Scott, Dan, MaryAnn and families,
Remembering your dad and grandpa always brings a smile to my face. My favorite memory is when he called and said, “Joyce, you can have our old piano. I have a chainsaw in my hand, I’ll give you one hour to get here before I cut it apart. ” We found six people and moved that heavy old thing. He loved giving you a hard time, but had a heart of gold. He and Esta loved the church and gave of their time and talents.
We will all miss him but so happy that he’s reunited with the love of his life, Esta. God’s blessings for his family and we are so sorry that we won’t be able to attend his service and to give you all hugs. Sending our love and sympathy ❤️
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Lee and Diane Boysen
February 29, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Diane and families. Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
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Colleen Ziemer
February 29, 2020 at 2:32 pm
Diane , Tim and families, Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He had a long and good life. He will be missed by everyone.
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Nancy L. Minegar
February 29, 2020 at 7:35 pm
So sorry to the family for the loss of your loved one. My laate husband, Larry Minegar, & I were neighbors of Bud & Esta for years. Couldn’t ask for any better neighbors. Larry & I were at the Methodist Church here in Otsego for a Music concert. Bud & Esta sat right behind us. Bud tapped me on the shoulder & said softly, “Lady, please clean your glasses so I can see Marcia better!” Never forgot that & occasionally thru the years the glass cleaning came up. Bud & Esta were so kind & helpful. If we needed help or anything, they were here .
Never will forget them.
Thanks for who & what they were. God loving folks .
Nancy L. Minegar
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Tim, Laurie, Marissa Andrus
March 1, 2020 at 8:25 am
To Bud’s family,
What a wonderful man. He has left such a legacy behind in how to live your life, be kind and treat others well. He will be missed by so many. Our hearts are heavy but we know that he is pain free and made whole again with Father God.
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Scott Baldwin
March 1, 2020 at 12:47 pm
I met Bud’s daughter Pauline in 1975 at Western Mich Univ where we both attended school. It wasn’t too long after that when she introduced me to her parents; Bud & Esta. With Bud’s blessing, Pauline and I were married in 1976 and from that day forward I called him Dad. He loaned us money for our first house and was always there for us throughout the 35 yrs Pauline and I were married. I have many fond memories of Bud, especially his sense of humor. When I visited with him about a week ago in Kalamazoo, we reminisced about one of my fondest memories; the time we sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” as a duet in the Otsego Methodist church.
I will miss Dad but at the same time, will celebrate his life and the wonderful relationship we shared for almost 45 years.
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Jeanne Myers
March 1, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Mr. DeGood was a wonderful Christian man. My very first date was when he and Esta took Dan and me to the Lowell Showboat. I was wide-eyed, I imagine, but they made me feel like family right away.
Praying for you, Diane and Dan, for peace and wonderful memories.
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Bonnie Moore-Eakins aki
March 1, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Condolences to the family, RIP Bud! Good man!!
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Lorna Sisson
March 1, 2020 at 7:09 pm
Dear Diane, Tim and all of Bud’s family:
We are so sad to hear of Bud’s passing. What a wonderful guy and a pillar in our community and our church. So many fond memories of him as a businessman, at church and a friend. Loved hearing him sing and special memories of he and Esta as such dedicated workers and mentors. Remember visiting them in Florida and his picking us oranges from their tree. He always had a smile and good conversation for all he met. You are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers and hope your many great memories will give you comfort and peace.
In Christ’s love. Craig and Lorna
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David and Carol Boulter
March 2, 2020 at 9:43 am
What can I say about Bud? 1.Shared boundaries. Our first house was on Kalamazoo Street. Our boundary to the north was the boundary of the radiator shop. Not only could I just go say “hi” once in awhile, like others I had to have Bud and Ken’s assistance on occasion. Our forever house shares a boundary to the north with the DeGood residence. When we moved here there were no established boundaries so we had them surveyed. Not only did he help with one of the points, but he also added a bit of wisdom. We are down hill from the DeGood house and he said that burning leaves was a bad thing. If the wind picked up from the west a fire could shoot up the hill to his house. We now have a 300 ft berm that is added to every year and we don’t burn. 2. Music. Once upon a time we attended the Otsego UMC. I sang in the choir usually next to Bud because I wasn’t that great and he was pretty good. 3. Nice guy. Bud will be missed, not only by Carol and me, but by all of those that he touched in the community over his lifespan. To all of the DeGood family, we are so sorry for your loss of this truly good guy. Bud was Devoted to doing Good.
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Sherry Schumaker
March 2, 2020 at 3:32 pm
To the DeGood family,
My father Kerm Knight used to run McLeod’s and Bud did all the radiator work for them I believe. I also remember hearing Bud sing in the choir at The Methodist Church when I was younger, he had a delightful voice. Bud was a man who gave much to his community and his church, and set an example for all of us to live by. I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you are all experiencing. I hope all of the messages here will bring you comfort and joy.
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Debera Miller
March 2, 2020 at 5:56 pm
Bud and Esta welcomed us into their church family over 35 years ago. We have so many great memories working with them during bazaars, soup suppers, and apple dumpling bakes. I especially remember all the hours spent with them during the remodeling project on the church building. A lot of “tall” tales and heartfelt laughs made the time fly by. Bud, you DO know that “I never got Joe Fast fired!” You just liked to tease me! Dear Bud, I miss you,
Love,
Debbie & Jim Miller
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Dan Schanz
March 2, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Dan Diane and families: Your Dad was quite a man and will always be remembered by us . He was Dan’s boss at the radiator shop & of course I worked across the street at Harding’s Market so we were together a lot. He and your Mom were very kind to both of us and our sons ..We have great memories . Our prayers are with you. Dan & Bonnie Schanz
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Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti)
March 3, 2020 at 7:40 pm
A sweet and gentle soul. Sorry for your loss to family & friends.
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Suzanne Shelton
March 15, 2020 at 7:32 pm
Loved Bud a bastion in the community, a help at church, and a friend to all. Love, blessings, and prayers to the family, Suzanne Shelton
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Tom and Susan (Jerrett) Sawasky
March 25, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Dan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Prayers and your many memories will help you.
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