Oscar L. "Bud" Shuler
Oscar L. "Bud" Shuler, age 78, of Queen Creek passed away on July 1, 2011. He was born in Grady County, OK on August 6, 1932. An outstanding athlete, Bud was inducted into the Capitol Hill High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2008 for records set in the 1950's in football, basketball and track. A life-long student, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Omaha in 1965 and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Arizona in 1971. Before being drafted into the US Army he served on the Oklahoma City Police Force. Bud's military career spanned 24 years. He graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School and completed the Airborne and Ranger courses. His pilot training was completed at the US Army Aviation School. In 1968 he graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College. As an Army Aviator, he was certified in fixed wing and helicopters and flew hundreds of combat missions. He served in Korea, Germany and two tours in Vietnam and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Bronze Stars and twenty Air Medals. He was most grateful that, by the grace of God, he never lost a serviceman under his command. Lieutenant Colonel Shuler retired from the US Army in 1977. From 1980-90 he worked with ARAMCO's Loss Prevention Department in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The family has resided in Queen Creek the past 21 years. A convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a Bishop's Counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Counselor in the Elder's Quorum and Ward Executive Secretary. Colonel Shuler is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lucy (Fuller) Shuler; his son Daniel Lee of Mesa; daughters Deborah (Stephen) Blair and Paula Bergstrand, both of Edmond, OK. His beloved grandchildren Nicole, Kimberly and Kyle Blair, Joanna Dunn-Killebrew, Sierra Dunn and Alisa Johnson will miss their "Papa Shuler." He is also survived by a sister, Clentis Eliff of Walters, OK. He is loved by his three foster sons, Aaron Collins, Anthony Gates and Jeffery Noland, all 1996 QCHS graduates. Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 9, 2011 at 10:30 am with Visitation beginning at 9:00 am at Mountain View Funeral Home 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85207. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.