Mr. Roy Berryman “Budge” Truesdale, age 63 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010 at his home after an extended illness. 

Budge was born January 1, 1947 in Jefferson City, Mo. at St. Mary’s Hospital, and was the first child born in Cole County that year.  He was the son of Ross R. and Marion Henwood Truesdale, who preceded him in death.  He was married on November 25, 1972 in Gary, Indiana to Roberta R. Wheeler who preceded him in death on May 19, 2004.  

Budge was a 1965 graduate of Jefferson City High School and a 1984 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in business administration.  He was a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honors Fraternity at the university.  

He was employed with the Missouri Dept. of Revenue from 1968 until 1972.

Budge served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 until 1978 and was stationed aboard the USS Forrestal from 1975 until 1976 as an F-4 Phantom Radar Intercept Officer. He also served in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1992, and was honorably discharged as a Lt. Col. in 1996.

He was employed with the Missouri Dept. of Corrections from 2008 until ill health forced his retirement in August, 2009.           

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and the Train Collectors Assn. 

An avid outdoorsman, Budge enjoyed turkey hunting, deer hunting, and fishing.  He became an Eagle Scout with Troop 2 in 1962.  He was also an animal lover.

Survivors include: two daughters, Major Christina Anne Truesdale, D.V.M., U.S. Army of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Jennifer Lynn Truesdale of Columbia, Mo.; and one brother, Bruce Henwood Truesdale.

Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 AM Saturday, June 12, 2010.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 12, 2010 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Mark Dumas and the Reverend Chris Dumas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society and the Jefferson City Humane Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.