Garland D. “Bud” Wickham, 84, died Monday, December 17, 2012 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.

 He was born May 23, 1928 at Fowler, Colorado to Ralph A. and Iva Mae (Sellers) Wickham.

Bud served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.  Following his service in the military, he began his career at the Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked as a machinist for 38 years, retiring in 1990.

 He married Lillie Fern Kotschwar on April 14, 1964 in Gering, Nebraska.

Bud was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the VFW.  He was also a baptized member of the United Methodist Church.

 He enjoyed fishing, traveling to Arizona after his retirement, making fine silver jewelry, and was an avid football and baseball fan.

 He is survived by his wife, Fern Wickham of Alliance; his children, Steve (Sue) Wickham of Kearney, and Rick (Carol) Wickham of Alliance; and his step-children, Roger (Terri) Kotschwar and Linda (Steve) Lulow, all of Alliance.  He is also survived by his brothers, George Wickham of Hemingford and Dever Wickham of North Glenn, Colorado; 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Becky Wickham, his step-daughter Diana Schommer, and his brother Joe Wickham.

 Funeral services will be held Friday, December 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.  Reverend Tom Lucas will officiate.  Burial with military rites will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

 Memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice, 2409 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, NE., 69301, or Good Samaritan Health Care Center, 1016 E. 6th, Alliance, NE., 69301.

 Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.