Eldon 'Bud' Russell Miles

Eldon Bud Russell Miles died Sunday, July 19, 2009, in the loving arms of his wife of 56 years, Lenice Calley Miles. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 4 " 8 p.m., and a celebration of his life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, July 25, both at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville, IL. Bud was born on December 29, 1931, in rural Armstrong, IL, to James Russell Miles and Martha Etta Hargan Miles. He married Lenice on July 23, 1953, in Chandler, AZ. Surviving are his wife; daughter Maris Miles Huls and son-in-law Norbert; daughter Susan Miles; and son James Miles. Bud also traveled on to heaven before his five grandchildren, three grandchildren-in-laws, and two great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Frerichs Camacho, husband Frank, and son Lucas James; Michelle Huls Rice, husband Shaughnessy, and daughter Lily Belle; Michael Huls and wife Alyson; Justin Miles; and Davin Miles. Bud loved being a part of his large family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darlene Seaman. Surviving are his siblings Robert, Richard, Melvin, Harold, Linda Post, and Donna Masengale. He also had many nieces and nephews. Bud was a special man who led an extraordinarily full life. He took pleasure in every day because of his many interests. He was a true family man who doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never met a stranger and loved teasing everyone. His other major interests were cattle, trucking, and visiting with friends. Bud spent the early part of his life working on the family farm. In 1950, he proudly joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, AZ. While in Chandler, he also spent time as a butcher. After marrying Lenice, and his discharge in 1953, they moved to Rossville, IL, where he began farming and trucking. In 1960, he moved to Penfield, IL. During midlife, Bud managed the Hoopeston Feedlot. In more recent years, he spent much of his time in the sunshine of Chandler, AZ, with his in-laws and grandson and wife. When in Illinois, he could be found with his family and surveying the land around his home. Bud Miles spent the last days of his life thoroughly enjoying a much anticipated vacation to Mark Twain Lake in Missouri. He left this world a very happy man.