Walter "Buddy" Allard, Jr.
September 7, 1950 - December 22, 2017

There were many great words to describe Walter R. "Buddy" Allard, Jr., but not enough words just to say how terrific of a man whom he truly was. One to always put others first, Bud would be there any time of day or night for you and would give the shirt off his back. He was a jack of all trades, and mastered everything he put his mind to. With a wonderful smile and laugh, Bud knew how to have a good time. He had a great sense of humor, he was generous, he was a teacher, he was a wonderful son who made his mother proud and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He truly was a superhero to his family.

Born September 7, 1950 in Connersville, Indiana, he was the son of Walter R. Allard and Laura V. (Moore) Frey. He grew up as a country boy and enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and was involved with the FFA while he attended Connersville High School. It was during his high school years when he moved into the town of Connersville. As Buddy was in his teenage years, he told his family that he just wanted to be called Bud because he was getting older! He made the sacrifice for our country to leave high school and serve during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. He would serve two tours in Vietnam.

By the time Bud returned home from the war, his mother had moved to the Columbia City area so he joined her and the rest of his family. On a day that would change the rest of his life, Bud went to visit his mom at her work at Weatherhead. Not knowing what his mom truly had in store for him, Laura introduced Bud to her co-worker, Virginia R. Banks on July 2, 1970. The two fell head over heels for each other and by January 16, 1971, they were married at one of Jenny's sister's home in South Whitley.
Jenny stayed right by his side and would support whatever he chose to do. Bud would always ask her about her feelings and thoughts when his enlistment was up and if he should stay with the U.S. Army. She told him that it was his decision and she supported him fully in what he chose to do. She traveled with him when he was stationed in Germany and even welcomed their baby girl during this time. As his children grew up in Whitley County, he was very active with both his daughter and son. It was not uncommon to see Bud out playing ball with his children and the neighborhood kids. His love for fishing and hunting was passed on to his son, who became Bud's best friend.

With the support from his wife and family, he stayed with the U.S. Army and would retire after 20 years and 3 months of service. He also worked at Miller's Merry Manor as an "Environmentalist"; he loved that fancy title they gave him for the janitor's position. He would retire again from the Fort Wayne Foundry in Columbia City and went on to be a greeter at Wal-Mart part-time.
Before joining the Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church, Bud had been a member with the Eagles, the Masonic Due Guard Lodge No. 278 in Larwill and the Mizpah Shriners. After he became a Mason, his son would also join.

Other interest that Bud had was going camping and playing cards. He was always a jokester, except when it came to playing cards and never would take it easy on you. He loved spending time with his grandkids and enjoyed designing and making games out of wood with each of them. He taught them all what the true meaning of the game, "Aggravation" was about. He loved to sing them silly songs or change the lyrics to the songs to make everyone chuckle. Among other things, Bud also enjoyed cooking and his biscuits & gravy, omelets and Christmas fudge will be missed.
The world will never be the same after 12:28 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2017 when Walter R. Allard, Jr. passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He leaves behind a loving wife of nearly 47 years, Jenny Allard; son, Walter "Buster" (Lisa) Allard, III, of Columbia City; daughter, Michele "Renee" (Basel) Hale, of Ozark, Mo.; mother, Laura (Frank) Frey, of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Allard, Sr.; sister, Shannon Groce; and father- and mother-in-law, Chester and Coy Banks.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Nathan Meeks officiating. Burial will follow at Union Township Cemetery where military rights will presented by the U.S. Army. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Primitive Baptist Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send Bud's family condolences.

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