Monday, February 21, 2022

Bud Southern


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Melvin Lee Southern (Bud), age 78 of Diamond, MO, passed away on Friday February 18, 2022.

Bud was born September 26, 1943 in Tiff City, MO to Glendean Alfred Southern and Rosie Pearl Slavens. He graduated from Diamond High School in 1961 and remained a lifetime resident.








Bud marred Saundra Sue McDaniel on May 29, 1965 in Diamond, MO. Together they built their business and family with only one child Jill Southern-Ray.

Bud served in the US Army from 1961-1967. After the Army Bud was employed by Firestone and managed the Pittsburg, KS, Carthage, MO and Joplin, MO stores. In 1980 Bud and Saundra started Southern Dairy Farm. He retired from dairy farming in 1998. During retirement you could find Bud trail riding with friends.

Bud is survived by Jill Southern-Ray, daughter and David Ray, son-in-law Meridian, ID; grandchildren Kyler and Lance Ray, Pocatello, ID; Brooke Ray, Fort Collins, CO; brother Malloy “Sonny” Southern, Neosho, MO; sister-in-law Betty Barnhart, Eldorado, KS; brother-in-law Pat Sells, Joplin, MO; best friend Bill Whitson, Diamond, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Saundra McDaniel-Southern; both parents; sisters Melba Shadwick and Mryna Pace.

Services will be held at a later date.

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