It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our dear patriarch, Eston “Bud” Mullenax, 83, of Windham, Ohio. He was born on August 27, 1940, in Broadway, Virginia, to the late Glen and Martha (Nelson) Mullenax. Bud was a lifelong resident of Windham, Ohio; where he graduated with the Windham High School, class of 1959. Windham is also where he met and married the love of his life, Rilla (Fairfield) Mullenax. They raised their family in Windham and were married more than 60 years. Bud retired from Delphi Packard Electric (GM) after 42 years of employment. Bud was a member of the Windham Fire Department for 16 years, and an active member of the 100 Club. He was a dedicated coach for Windham Hot Stove youth baseball, culminating in a 1978 state championship for the team Bud coached with George Apthorpe. Many will remember Bud as “The Dog Whisperer” for his daily off-leash dog walks, accompanied by his kind words and friendly smile.
He will be sorely missed by his children, Glen Mullenax, Richard Mullenax, Larry (Cheryl) Mullenax, Jimmy (Deanne) Snodgrass; granddaughter, Amber Ashby (Gierke), for whom he had a significant role in raising; he was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored; sisters, Marie (Marion) Quickle and Glenna (Quentin) Spaur; many nieces and nephews, and the Spring Drive friends he held so near to his heart.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rilla Mullenax (Fairfield); daughter, Debbie Kimak; son, Johnny Snodgrass; siblings Millie (Jim) Stone, Bobby (Diane) Mullenax, Betty (Bill) McDowell, and Carol Mullenax, as well as many friends he met along the way.
In accordance with Bud’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held. However, a Celebration of Life for Bud and Rilla will be held at the American Legion, 9960 E. Center St., Windham, Ohio 44288, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The family would like to encourage donations in Bud’s memory to the Windham Hot Stove or the Windham Joint District Fire Department. Donations for both can be made at the Celebration of Life. Care for Bud was entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
Let us not forget that Bud loved Cleveland sports, the Windham community, and a good joke; almost as much as Rilla loved cigarettes and four-letter words.
