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Bud Starnes
Aurora, Nebraska
March 26, 1953 - August 4, 2025
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Bud Starnes Obituary
Arthur “Bud” W Starnes, 72, of Aurora passed away peacefully Monday August 4, 2025, at home. No visitation or funeral service will be held per Bud’s wishes. Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com
OBITUARY: ARTHUR ‘BUD’ W STARNES
Bud was born on March 26, 1953, the second of three children, in Marquette Michigan. Bud’s mother, Florence (LeMieux) moved to Cuba, Illinois and remarried (when her two boys were still quite young) to Fred Bannister. Bud spoke often of his mom, dad (Fred) and his Aunt Mae and growing up in Cuba with his brother Ed and sister Mary.
He graduated from Cuba High School and after graduation joined the Army. Bud proudly served his country at Fort Dix Army Base and Camp Carroll Depot, Korea. After his honorable discharge, Bud re-enlisted in the Army National Guard.
After the Army, Bud moved to Dallas, Texas where he met and married Cindy Fernau on June 21, 1986. Though they were not blessed with any children, Bud has a son, Daniel from a previous marriage. While in Texas, Bud worked in a construction yard, various maintenance jobs and as a plumbing and A/C assistant. In 1992 they moved from Dallas to Aurora, Nebraska to be closer to his wife’s family and Bud started working at Bonnavilla Homes.
Bud then worked at the Hamilton Manor as maintenance for several years and many people knew him from when he worked in the Ace Hardware dept in the Aurora Mall until he retired. He enjoyed both because he was able to meet so many people.
Bud enjoyed talking with people and making them laugh; woodworking, yard work, riding motorcycles and generally being outside. Bud said his love of the outdoors came from his dad, and was never hungry because his mom was an awesome cook and baker.
He also enjoyed traveling to visit family. He made several trips to West Virginia then Illinois to visit his sister and her family. There were also several trips to Wyoming and Idaho for family reunions for his wife’s side of the family.
Bud had open heart surgery in 2007 but quickly bounced back and continued all his activities, feeling better than before. His hobbies and activities were unfortunately curtailed when the Lewy Body Dementia became prominent in his life.
Survivors include his wife Cindy of 39 years, son Daniel and granddaughter Ava: sister Mary (Mark) Phillips, brothers-in-law Robert (Laurie) Fernau, Don (Saberina) Fernau: nieces and nephews, Christina and Florence Phillips, Sean and Bryan Starnes, Logan Fernau, Jennifer Schwartz, Dakota (Jessica), Bailey (Lexie), Jayden and Korben Fernau, Derek (Tracy) and Michael Fernau and several grandnephews and grandnieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Claire Starnes, and father-in-law Earl Fernau.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Arthur, please visit our Tree Store.
Arthur “Bud” W Starnes, 72, of Aurora passed away peacefully Monday August 4, 2025, at home. No visitation or funeral service will be held per Bud’s wishes. Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com
OBITUARY: ARTHUR ‘BUD’ W STARNES
Bud was born on March 26, 1953, the second of three children, in Marquette Michigan. Bud’s mother, Florence (LeMieux) moved to Cuba, Illinois and remarried (when her two boys were still quite young) to Fred Bannister. Bud spoke often of his mom, dad (Fred) and his Aunt Mae and growing up in Cuba with his brother Ed and sister Mary.
He graduated from Cuba High School and after graduation joined the Army. Bud proudly served his country at Fort Dix Army Base and Camp Carroll Depot, Korea. After his honorable discharge, Bud re-enlisted in the Army National Guard.
After the Army, Bud moved to Dallas, Texas where he met and married Cindy Fernau on June 21, 1986. Though they were not blessed with any children, Bud has a son, Daniel from a previous marriage. While in Texas, Bud worked in a construction yard, various maintenance jobs and as a plumbing and A/C assistant. In 1992 they moved from Dallas to Aurora, Nebraska to be closer to his wife’s family and Bud started working at Bonnavilla Homes.
Bud then worked at the Hamilton Manor as maintenance for several years and many people knew him from when he worked in the Ace Hardware dept in the Aurora Mall until he retired. He enjoyed both because he was able to meet so many people.
Bud enjoyed talking with people and making them laugh; woodworking, yard work, riding motorcycles and generally being outside. Bud said his love of the outdoors came from his dad, and was never hungry because his mom was an awesome cook and baker.
He also enjoyed traveling to visit family. He made several trips to West Virginia then Illinois to visit his sister and her family. There were also several trips to Wyoming and Idaho for family reunions for his wife’s side of the family.
Bud had open heart surgery in 2007 but quickly bounced back and continued all his activities, feeling better than before. His hobbies and activities were unfortunately curtailed when the Lewy Body Dementia became prominent in his life.
Survivors include his wife Cindy of 39 years, son Daniel and granddaughter Ava: sister Mary (Mark) Phillips, brothers-in-law Robert (Laurie) Fernau, Don (Saberina) Fernau: nieces and nephews, Christina and Florence Phillips, Sean and Bryan Starnes, Logan Fernau, Jennifer Schwartz, Dakota (Jessica), Bailey (Lexie), Jayden and Korben Fernau, Derek (Tracy) and Michael Fernau and several grandnephews and grandnieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Claire Starnes, and father-in-law Earl Fernau.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Arthur, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
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