Ira Charles Bodine

Ira “Bud” Bodine was born by the light of an oil lamp on September 17, 1919, in a primitive cabin built by his father on a forty-acre farm. His parents, James and Geraldine Bodine, farmed the land near Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Bud, a resident of Country Manor, Davenport, passed away on August 13th, 2011.

Prior to his entry into the U.S. Army, he worked for a local railroad shop and at various farming jobs. He joined the Army during World War II and was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. His WWII service included combat in the Philippines. After the war he returned to civilian life and pursued advanced education on the GI Bill. During the Korean Conflict he re-entered the Army and was stationed at the anti-aircraft base in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, before being sent into active combat in Korea.

Returning from Korea, he again furthered his education toward employment in the tool planning division of McDonnell Aircraft (now Boeing) in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to his work on fighter jets, he was selected to be a part of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space projects.

Bud retired in 1982 and moved from Florissant, Missouri, to Bonita Springs, Florida, remaining there until 2005, when he relocated to Country Manor, a memory care facility in Davenport. He also spent three years at Good Samaritan Home, Prophetstown, Illinois.

During his military career, Bud played army baseball with Joe Garagiola. His special talents included auto mechanics and ornamental gardening. He and his wife, Mildred, spent many Summers in Ontario, Canada, fishing and building a summer cabin on an island.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mildred, sister Hilda, brothers James and Orville, and grandson Julian. He is survived by sons Jim and Jerry and their spouses, grandchildren Jill and Nicholas, and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Country Manor, 900 West 46th Street, Davenport, IA 52806. A private celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences many be made at www.rungemortuary.com.