Nathan “Bud” Wakefield, 88, of Midland passed away on Monday, June 16, 2014 in Midland surrounded by his family. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 9:00 AM at Resthaven Memorial Park followed by a Memorial service at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas. Bud was born on November 4, 1925 in St. Petersburg, Florida to Ernest and Mabel Wakefield. After graduating From St. Pete High in December, 1943, he served in the U.S. Navy from February 19, 1944 to April 23, 1946 on a minesweeper, the USS Opponent. The Opponent participated in the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war ended he took a job driving an ambulance and met Jean Shirley Moore, an RN working in the ER of a Miami hospital. Bud and Jean and married in St. Petersburg on January 30, 1947. After their marriage they moved to St. Louis where Bud attended and graduated from Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique in 1948. After graduation Bud accepted a job in Big Spring, Texas and the young couple relocated to Texas. They soon moved to Midland and remained for 48 years. Bud was the Lab and X-Ray Technologist for Dr. Jesse Coleman and Dr. Albert Courtney for 36 years. When that medical practice was closed Bud became the Lab Technologist for the Midland Women’s Clinic for several years. Bud also worked part time in the Midland Memorial Hospital Lab for over 25 years. During that time he formed a special bond with countless lab students training at MMH. He served as a mentor, teacher and friend to the students, many of whom remained lifelong friends. After Jean’s death Bud married a St. Pete High classmate, Rose Sims, and resided in St. Petersburg for 15 years. Upon Rose’s death in 2012 he returned to Midland. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Grace Tyrrell, wife, Jean and an infant son. He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Wakefield Smith of Midland, Texas, son Ernest Wakefield and his wife Carol, also of Midland, Texas; granddaughter Jerrie Wakefield Gunderson and her husband Bryan of Kingwood, Texas, grandson, Danny Wakefield of Ft. Worth, Texas, grandson, Colton Wakefield of Midland, Texas; sister, Martha Jackson of St. Petersburg, Florida; 2 nieces and 7 nephews. The family would like to extend special thanks to Pam Handte, Cynthia Hill, and the entire staff of Saddleridge Lodge. Arrangements are under direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
