William Arnold "Bud" Perdue

William Arnold “Bud” Perdue, 87, of Airport Road, Bluefield, WV, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born on September 23, 1927 in Bluefield, he was a son of the late W.H. “Bill” and Katherine Burnopp Perdue. He had been a resident of Bluefield all of his life and was retired in 1990 from American Electric Power with 35 years as an office manager. He loved to boat and camp at Claytor Lake and enjoyed his truck. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and served from 1946-1951. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William Neil “Rusty) Perdue; and 1 sister, Dortha Birklebach. Survivors include: Wife of 55 years: Nellie Skeen Perdue of the home Daughter: Cathy Collins of Boissevain, VA Son: Rickey Hugh Perdue of Boissevain, VA Daughter-in-Law: Barbara Perdue of IL Sister-in-Law: Mollie Comer and husband Harry of Bluefield, WV Stepson: Dr. J. Craig Anderson of Boca Raton, FL Stepdaughter: Zoe Ann Merkle of Norfolk, VA Step grandson: T. Jeremy Merkle Granddaughters: Paula Levine and Julie Pinchzback 3 great-grandsons and 1 great granddaughter Special friends: George “Birkie” Birkelbach, Donald Anderson, Wade Collins and Bud’s many friends. Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with Rev. Stephen Rector officiating. The WV Honor Guard will conduct graveside rites. Friends wishing to attend are asked to meet at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell on Tuesday at 12:30. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.