Donald Wayne Lea

Donald Wayne "Bud" LeaDonald Wayne "Bud" Lea was born in Midland, TX on August 9, 1936 and died in his home on Saturday, October 25, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Anita "Nita" Lea of Greenwood; his two daughters: Donita Lea of Odessa, TX and Cindy Smith and husband Clay, and two granddughters: Kalea and Savannah of Coahoma, TX; his sister Carroll and her husband Mike Woodall of Fredrick, Oklahoma and numerous extended family. Bud was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Verla Mae and E.W. Stone; his sister Wanda Smith, brother in law Larry Sullivan, and his mother and father in law: Nina and Marcus Messer. Midland High School was his alma mater and after graduating in 1954 he attended Hardin Simmons College on a rodeo scholarship. He then served in the 4th General Brig. "Sky Sweeper" 7th Artillery of the United States Army and was assigned to the Savannah River Sky Defense Project. After returning home to Midland, he met and married Nita Messer on May 14, 1960. Bud is remembered as a loving friend, brother, father, grandfather, and husband. Other than the time spent in the Army, Bud lived in Midland, TX and thought there was no better place to call home than the Greenwood Community. It was there he raised his family, served his community and honored his God. Bud was a member of and held several offices on the Greenwood School Board; the Midland Optimist Club; the Green- wood Lion's Club; the Midland County Livestock Association; M Square Dance Club and Greenwood Baptist Church. His community service reflected his belief that we are to serve our country, our community and our fellow man. His passions were his family- especially his graddaughters; working- especially farming and ranching; and rodeo- especially team roping. Together with his family and friends Bud made a profound difference in building-up the Greenwood community by planning and developing the Greenwood ISD to include not only elementary grades but Junior and Senior High Schools with high standards of education excellence. He loved working with the Midland County Livestock Association, and looked forward each year to the Midland County Livestock Show supporting the children of 4-H Clubs and FFA. He also was an avid fisherman and hunter. None compared to his passion for team roping where he won numerous awards, trophy saddles and friends. He was definitely a "people person" and nothing pleased him more than a good cup of coffee and good friends to share it with. Bud is well loved and his mark will be recognized in this community he loved for generations to come. "Well done thy good and faithful servant." Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 3:00 pm at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland with Rev. Jan Reed and Larry Sanders, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven North in Midland. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the funeral home.Pallbearers will be: Ralph Powell, John Brenneman, Tom McCain, Rayford Calhoun, Bob Evans, and Buster Dickey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Phil Stroud, and Don Stroud. The family suggests donations be made to Hospice Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,