Charles "Bud" DeBry

Charles "Bud" Lyle DeBry, 1933 - 2022 was born September 15, 1933 to John Jacob DeBry and Dorothy Marie Magera in Salt Lake City, Utah. Married Katherine Georgia Frkovich February 23, 1957, and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Grandpa Bud inherited his love for, and memory of people from his dad, Great-grandpa Jake. He was extremely proud of his family and grandchildren's accomplishments. With any introduction to one of Grandpa's neighbors or friends they already knew so much about us. We knew we were loved.

Grandpa was a child and product of the depression whereby he developed fortitude, ethics of hard-work, resiliency, and a drive to succeed. He shared stories in early childhood trapping muskrats before and after school to help pay for things at home. He loved his parents and family lineage who were artists and craftsmen. He shared stories of their lives and held a real sense of pride attempting to pass it on for those in his future posterity.

He was an excellent marksman and hunter and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. He also excelled at powerlifting and set a Utah State record for the deadlift which stood for many years. This enthusiasm led to his involvement with his three sons and several nephews coaching little league football, achieving undefeated titles in their seasons. He truly cared for the kids on his team and saw his role as coach and mentor teaching life skills to his players, his concern for each of them individually was evident many years after their last game together. It was a joy to see his excitement as his grandsons also played football giving enthusiastic input and advice. Ever the competitor, he spoke of long past undefeated arm wrestling conquests, the evidence being his 21 inch forearms.

Like many of his generation at 18, Grandpa Bud was drafted into the Korean war and became an avid patriot of America and service members, supporting the Wounded Warriors and Paralyzed Vet's organizations. His patriotism was often displayed and was easy to spot on or in his home.

He was a craftsman and artist. His home is filled with beautiful paintings he created from a young age to his retirement. At one point during his 40 years at Kennecott as a boilermaker, he was sought out for his skills and welded components on the prototype of the first artificial Jarvic heart. He shared his love by creating special projects for his family and neighbors that were built to last, from keepsake dressers, picture frames, cedar chests, construction trailers and equipment, and an elaborate 45-foot fifth wheel trailer which he and Grandma enjoyed traveling across the country. He found service through his home teaching assignments, and taking care of those under his auspice whether it be those he was assigned to, or handicapped children he took under his wing who rode on the bus he drove for the Granite School District ten years subsequent to his retirement from Kennecott Utah Copper. He befriended those children doing kind deeds to make them feel special, cared for, or fixing their devices they depended on in order to make their lives easier.

In his final years, Grandpa Bud became as sweet as the forbidden ice cream he'd hidden in the back of his freezer and loved to share stories of his life and the experiences of dozens of missionaries who lived in his home. We will miss his encouragement, bear hugs, and cherish our remaining time with his sweetheart, angelic wife, Grandma Kathy.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Frkovich DeBry of West Valley, UT; sister Judy (Kent) Jordison of Utah; son Michael C. (Wendy) DeBry of West Valley, son Lawrence (Larry) S.DeBry of West Valley; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents John Jacob DeBry and Dorothy Marie Magera of Magna, UT; siblings Jackie Niel DeBry, Ronald William DeBry, Gerald "Jerry" Lawrence DeBry, and Daniel Victor DeBry; and his son Mark Lyle (Darline) DeBry.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 5, 2022, from 6-8:00 pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. There will be a brief viewing Saturday, August 6th at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Park building chapel, 3749 South 6000 West. The interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West, 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.