Weldon "Bud" D. Frey

Weldon “Bud” D. Frey, age 92, of Linn, MO, passed away at Stonebridge Westphalia on March 29, 2023.

Bud was born December 25, 1930 in Morrison, MO, the youngest and only son of Oscar and Leona (Oncken) Frey. Much of his childhood was spent with his Aunt Elsie and Uncle Eddie Vogelsang. 

Bud graduated from Chamois school in 1948. It was at Chamois school that Bud and Carleen “Corky” McKnight first met. They were high school sweethearts, and later married November 11, 1950. 

In the spring of 1948, Bud was invited back for a second try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, due to a broken leg, he was unable to pursue this opportunity, but remained an enthusiastic Cardinals baseball fan throughout his lifetime. 

Bud was inducted into the United States Army in 1952 at Jefferson Barracks. He completed basic training and tanker school at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was later sent to Korea to fight in the Korean War. While there, he worked in tanks as an ammo bearer and gunner. Bud would later serve as a commander for three tanks, and oversee eight soldiers. Earning Three Bronze Battle stars, he served in the Army throughout the end of the Korean War, and returned home in September, 1953. 

As he transitioned back to civilian life, Bud worked on a bridge crew with the MO Pacific railroad for about a year, but later accepted a position at the Chamois Power Plant, where he worked for 38 years until his retirement as Chief Electric Dispatcher in 1993. Along with working at the power plant, Bud and business partner Reuben Kormann owned a barbershop and restaurant in Chamois. He also worked as a Shelter Insurance Agent in Chamois for 24 years.  Bud was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary post 506 for 56 years and the Chamois Lion’s Club.

Bud and Corky welcomed their only child, a son who they named Rodney, on July 14, 1954. The Frey family lived in the Chamois area for the next 40 years, and were members of the Chamois Church of Christ.

Bud was an avid fisherman and hunter; he and Corky spent many hours on the rivers and lakes with close friends Reuben and Mickey Kormann and Vernon and Bonnie Kormann. He enjoyed  quail and pheasant hunting with Reuben as well. Bud’s innate green thumb produced beautiful roses and provided the family with tomatoes each summer. His love of Brittany Spaniels led him to breed puppies for some time in the 70s. He and Corky traveled the states visiting family and friends throughout the midwest, and often spent time with their granddaughter in St. Louis. 

After leaving the Chamois area, Bud and Corky resettled in the Jefferson City area, where Bud spent hours volunteering at the Samaritan Center. 

In May, 2011, Bud was accompanied by his niece, Kathy Kormann, on the Honor Flight to Washington DC, where he visited the Korean War Memorial.

After Corky’s death in 2010, Bud found companionship with long time friend, widow Louise “Lou” Bonnot. Together, they enjoyed spending time with  family and watching the deer in the backyard.  

Bud is preceded in death by wife Carleen “Corky” Frey, sisters Helen Rowe, Laverne Starke, and Loretta “Sis” Lalk, as well as nephews Danny Lalk and Scott Rowe.

Bud is survived by his son, Rodney Frey, of Chamois, MO, granddaughter, Vanessa Frey, of St. Louis, MO, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He touched the hearts of all he encountered, and will be missed by many. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9-11 at Morton Chapel in Chamois, MO, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11:00, with Gary Ruff officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at Deer Creek Cemetery.  

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or the Deer Creek Cemetery Association. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel in Chamois, (573-763-5522)

www.mortonchapel.com