Wilbert “Bud” Wankum Sr.

Wilbert “Bud” Wankum Sr., age 92, of Meta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 22, 2022. He was born in Meta on July 28, 1929, son of the late George Anton and Louise Antoinette (Porting) Wankum. On October 1, 1955, in Folk, Bud was united in marriage to Roselyn Margaret Stegeman, who preceded him in death on June 25, 2018. Bud honorably served in the United States Army. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and interestingly as a young man one of his first jobs was stitching baseballs used for the game. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, gardening, and spent endless hours tending to his family farm. He loved country music and enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing cards. Bud volunteered for many years at the COMM-Unity Ambulance Building and was a member of the Over 50 Club and a faithful parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta, which he had a hand in building when he was only a teenager. Bud always had a story or tall-tale to share with anyone lucky enough to have a sit-down with him. He lived his life in a very humble and kind manner, always there to help anyone in any way he could. His heart was so big that even during his last weeks he spoke of how he wished he had more time left so that he could help more people. Since he is no longer here to do so, please take a moment of your day to do something kind for another person in his honor. He is survived by eight children, Vicki (Lee) Brown of Columbia, Doris (Mike) Wankum Hoffman of Columbia, Wilbert Wankum Jr. of Meta, Ronda (Dale) Binkley of Jefferson City, Joe (Pat) Wankum of Columbia, Kevin Wankum of Jefferson City, Pat (Cherie) Wankum of Jefferson City, and Julia (Lance) Harrison of Jefferson City; 16 grandchildren, Chrissy Brown, Jessica Brown, Ryan (Carrie) Brown, Kara (Eric) Miedema, Shaina (Corey) Meyer, Hannah (Allison) Wankum, Darren Binkley, Bryana (Hunter) Chitwood, Lauren Wankum, Abby Wankum, Alexandria Wankum, Zach (Taylor) Wankum, Christopher Wankum, Allison Wankum, Ben Harrison, and Brady Harrison; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Roman Wankum and Ronald (Helen) Wankum; sister, Alice Baumhoer; two sisters-in-law, Mary Wankum and Catherine Wankum; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Elmer Wankum and three sisters, Mildred Wankum, Bernadine Rehagen, and Helen Jaegers. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 27, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta with Fr. Leonard Mukiibi officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Cecilia Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the COMM-Unity Ambulance, St. Jude’s, or the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.