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HEPLER -- William Doyle Hepler "Bud" Bud was born three miles north of Melrose, NM on February 3, 1923. His grandfather, Jacop Elery, homesteaded in New Mexico in 1903. Bud went to Deep Lake School, walking two miles. At Melrose High School he was an athlete. As fullback for the 1940 State Football Championship, Bud led the team in winning over thirty games. Bud went to work at Ft. Sumner Airbase as a fireman. He was drafted for WWII, and was part of the D-Day invasion, Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded five battle stars during his service. Bud was an avid gardener and outdoorsmen: enjoying his time hunting game, fishing, treasure hunting, prospecting for gold and collecting arrowheads. Bud and his brothers were general contractors, building commercial and residential statewide. Bud was married to surviving wife, Gerry, for 65 years. Fate brought them together after Bud found an unopened letter, addressed to another soldier on Omaha Beach. He read the letter and wrote the girl back, asking for a cake. She didn't know him, but wrote back anyway. They exchanged pictures, and Gerry said it was love at first sight. She was from Grand Rapids, MI and after the war ended, Bud went home and got her. They were married in Melrose on March 23, 1946. Bud is also survived by his younger sister, Anita Clark of Utah, his three children: William, Patricia, and Lorraine, 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Bud was a friend to all, the greatest husband and the best dad, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was always there for his family, friends, and neighbors. He will be missed on earth, but will be in heaven with his Lord and family. Viewing at Riverside on San Mateo from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on April 3, 2011 and services are planned for noon on April 4, 2011 at Northdale Baptist Church at 123 Osuna Rd.
        Published on: Sun April 03, 2011