Robert “Bob” Lee Budlong, 90, died Jan. 17, 2023. He was born Feb. 13, 1932 in Salem to Percy and Emma (Hudel) Budlong.
During his early years, Bob’s family moved throughout the Pacific Northwest, as Percy worked on various electrical projects. They lived in Detroit during the building of the Detroit Dam. This is where he met Marlene Louise White, whom he married on Dec. 27, 1953.
Bob served in the Navy during the Korean War, and later worked in the timber and wood products industry.
Bob and Marlene lived in Portland from 1959 to 1977. In the mid-1970s, they settled near Mill City and Bob transitioned to being a process server.
He was active in the community and Detroit Christian Church. Later, Bob joined Gates Community Church of Christ. Many knew him as a kind, generous man who treated others graciously, without judgment, regardless of their struggles and status.
Bob and Marlene raised two boys and two girls and later enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; brothers, Ralph, James, Richard and Carl; and sisters, Lucille and Nancy.
He is survived by his sons, Brian (Mary Ann) Lee Budlong and Robert (Norma Jean, deceased) Lyle Budlong; daughters, Clystie (Brad) Louise Trochlil and Marci Lynn Rickards; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at Gates Community Church of Christ, 40700 Gates School Road.
