Laurel J. "Bud" Ely Jr. age 80 of Ames, died at his home with his family by his side Friday, April 3, 2015. A gathering of friends and family will be 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10 at First United Methodist Church, 6th and Kellogg in Ames. Burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Bud was born February 3, 1935 in Albia, Iowa the son of Laurel and Mary Ely Sr. He grew up in Melbourne, Iowa. He was inducted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict and finished his military career in the Army Reserves. He married Mildred Murrell on April 5, 1959 in McCallsburg, Iowa. The couple moved to Ames where Bud was employed with Mathison Ford for 14 years. In 1973, he purchased the Rex 66 on the corner of Lincoln Way and Franklin in Ames and that was the beginning of Bud's Service Center. He moved the business to West Lincoln Way and eventually out to East Lincoln Way. Bud's Service Center and U Haul received many awards, recognitions, and developed many lasting relationships. Bud's work ethic was unsurpassed. He was able to accomplish many things in his lifetime of which we were all proud. Bud was a member of the American Legion of Ames and First United Methodist Church.
Bud is survived by his wife Mildred Ely of Ames, his children, Lori (Vic) Berbano of Clear Water, FL, Rick (Joelle) Ely of Ames, grandchildren, Chris (Heather) Konopa, Matt Konopa, Kayla Ely, Alec Ely, great grandchildren, Lily and Ely Konopa, sisters, Florine Good, Nancy Stevens, and Sue Skarin-Shook.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Georgie Ely, Mary Emery, Frank Ely, Jean Ely, Larry Ely, Sara Ely and Tommy Ely.
Memorials may be directed to: First United Methodist Church of Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.