Vernon “Bud” Slabaugh

Vernon “Bud” Slabaugh, 86, Syracuse, passed away Jan. 18, 2018 at his home.

He was born Dec. 29, 1931 in Elkhart County to Neal and  Fannie (Hochstetler) Slabaugh. On June 30, 1957 he married Bette Mollenhour who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He founded Buds Body Shop in 1958 and operated the business until his retirement. He was a lifelong area resident, wintering in Siesta Key for the last 30 years.

He attended the Calvary United Methodist Church, as well as the Siesta Key Chapel. He was a life member of the VFW, and a charter member of Max Welton Golf Club.

Slabaugh is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bette Slabaugh, Syracuse; three sons, Brian (Kathy) Slabaugh, North Webster, Mike (Linda) Slabaugh, Syracuse, and Steve (Jeanetta) Slabaugh, Syracuse; seven grandchildren, David (Emily) Slabaugh, South Carolina, Cassandra (Brian) Russo, Florida, Doug Slabaugh, Leesburg,  Megan (Bill) Dues, Leesburg, Jennifer Slabaugh, North Webster, Benjamin Slabaugh, North Webster, and Jered Slabaugh, Syracuse; six great-grandchildren, Piper Kern, Ella Slabaugh, Elliott Russo, Willow Dues, Everly Slabaugh, and Amelia Russo; three brothers, Paul (Janet) Slabaugh, Jimtown, Willard (Joy) Slabaugh, Wakarusa, and Jerry (Penny) Slabaugh, Nappanee; four sisters, Rosemary Maust, Goshen, Judy Hochstedler, Nappanee, Shirley (Frank) Shoup, Ohio, and Linda Slabaugh, Elkhart.

He was preceded by one brother, Levi Slabaugh, and one sister, Katherine Lederman. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the Eastlund Funeral Home with Pastor David Henry officiating. Calling will be two hours prior from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Syracuse Fire Department or the Calvary United Methodist Church.