Wilmur “Bud” Blackaby

Wilmur “Bud” Blackaby, 77, of Benton City passed away on March 30, 2015. 

Bud was born November 19, 1937 in Versailles, KY.  He traveled quite a bit growing in his childhood after his father enlisted in the army. Bud graduated from Balboa High School and a JR college in Panama. He attended Texas A & M and considered San Antonio, TX his home until his move to Washington in 1976.

His career was in the field of engineering, electronics and nuclear design. Bud was part of the Aerospace Program during the Gemini Program and was a part of the NASA Madagascar tracking system of the astronauts in space. He worked for United Nuclear and other companies as well. He loved being able to design engineering and electronics at Hanford.

The proudest family moments of his life were the birth of his children Todd and Paige.

One of Bud’s greatest achievements was becoming a small aircraft pilot and belonged to a Flight Club and flew the Grauman “Cheetah”. His other great achievement was designing and building his own rental property.

Bud is survived by his wife, Laurel Blackaby; son, Todd; daughter, Paige Hinkle and her husband Ron; granddaughter, Carlee and her husband Henryk Hinkle-Zaleski; mother-in-law, Carol Doctor; nephews Eddie Bartley and Kelly Wright and his nieces Kelly Jean and Kayla.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Blackaby; mother, Annie Blackaby; sister, Kitty Macia and his daughter Megan.

The family would like thank Carie and Pete Squires and the staff for the wonderful care given to Bud for the time he was there in their care.

Donations may be made the Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/