Lewis "Bud" Massey

Lewis Roy “Bud” Massey, age 85, died surrounded by his family on May 27. Like always, Grandpa did it his way and waited for all of us to be together. Bud was born in Vernal, Utah on September 6, 1933 to Lewis LeRoy and Edna Sundquist Massey. 

The ethic of hard work was learned early, Bud was working and building fence by the age of five. He loved his family very much and was always looking out for them. 

Bud joined the United States Army in 1953 where he excelled. He passed the physical and mental aspects to become a member of the 82nd Airborne, one of the most prestigious units in the Army. He went through para trooper training, was promoted as a non-commissioned officer, and given the responsibility of operating the Browning Automatic Rifle for his unit while stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

While Bud was in the Army he traveled to rodeos in his free time. It was at a rodeo in Love Valley, NC that he met the love of his life Janice Jolly. They were soon married in her family’s living room and she moved with Bud across the country back to Vernal. 

After the Army Bud continued to compete in rodeo both in riding rough stock and roping events. He was a Western Slope Rodeo Association rough stock rider and a member of the PRCA. We cherish his stories of him riding saddle broncs and the time mom and dad spent on the road. Following a serious rodeo accident Bud put his concentration into team roping where he competed successfully into his later years. 

Bud continued building fence as his father had taught him and started Vernal Fencing Co. in 1958. He had a very successful business and gained the reputation of an honest man whose hand shake meant everything. Bud employed hundreds of young men who benefitted from his work ethic and example. They learned much from him. He was a true role model and they were treated like family, many of whom ended up living with Bud and Janice. 

While his military service, years of rodeo, business success, and hard work were all great accomplishments Bud’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his kids and grandkids more than anything and was so proud of all of them. He never missed a wrestling match or a ball game. He loved having everyone over and was constantly trying to get us to eat more of grandma’s delicious food. He taught us about every mountain, valley, fence line, river and creek that flows through our beautiful area. He knew them all and wanted us to appreciate and share his love for this valley. 

Another of Bud’s favorite pastimes was going to the coffee shop. He made so many good friends that he looked forward to seeing and talking to everyday. He also befriended many waitresses that were always so sweet to him.

Bud is survived by his wife Janice Massey, sons Craig Massey (Cheryl), Rick Massey (Judy) and daughter Katy Cundall (Brent) all of Vernal, Utah. Bud has 11 grandchildren and 16 great grand children. He would often look proudly at all of our pictures on the fridge and say, “These are mine, I made this.” He is also survived by his siblings Morgan Massey, Patsy Rasmussen, and Janet Adams. 

Proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Doris Izaguirre, Marie Reagan, Betty Jean Montgomery, Utahn Massey and his brother Charles Massey. 
 

Funeral Services for Bud Massey 85 of Vernal, will be held Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Vernal Christian Church (1845 West 750 South) at 11 A.M. Viewings will be held Sunday, June 2 from 6-8 P.M. And Monday 9-10 A.M at The Blackburn and Sons Vernal Mortuary.