Bud Planchon

Bud Planchon, 51, a beloved husband, father, brother, firefighter, veteran, and friend, joined his Heavenly Father on Friday evening, April 11, 2014. Born on June 9, 1962, in Lebanon, Missouri, Bud is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life, Jane Sexton Planchon, and three children whom he adored: his son, Shane Logan, his stepson, Jon Madison Sexton, and the apple of his eye, his daughter, Olivia Kathryn Planchon. Bud is also survived by his loving father, Claud Planchon and step-mother, Judy Planchon of Dothan, Alabama, his brother, John Planchon of Warner-Robbins, Georgia, his sister, Toni Mott, of Nevada, Missouri, mother-in-law, Billie Sue Watson of Crossett, Arkansas, and a host of beloved “family” from the Panama Canal Zone. Bud was preceded in death by his mother, Lena Planchon, his sister, Tammi, brother-in-law, Ricky Watson, and his father-in-law, William Watson. Bud gave his life protecting the public from harm. Following 25 years of dedicated public service as a firefighter and paramedic, Bud retired at the rank of Captain from the Springdale Fire Department in 2011. Originally diagnosed in 2009, Bud bravely battled a form of cancer he acquired in the line of duty as a Springdale firefighter as certified by numerous medical experts. More than 40 states, other than the State of Arkansas, legally recognize that Bud’s cancer was caused from the toxic hazards commonly faced by firefighters. Throughout his career, Bud lived and worked in unventilated Springdale fire stations where known carcinogens were circulated throughout each station every time emergency vehicles responded to a call for help. While battling cancer, Bud also fought for the rights of all firefighters in Springdale to receive the medical care, disability benefits and support for surviving minor children that were denied to him. Bud was intensely loyal to his fellow firefighters and cared deeply about the safety and welfare of firefighters in Springdale and throughout the State of Arkansas. Bud was an American patriot who loved his country. A combat veteran, Bud saved lives as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy assigned to the Marines during two tours of duty in Desert Storm, and he served an additional 16 years in the Navy reserves. Bud held a degree in education and, prior to pursuing his passion of firefighting, was a teacher at Woodland Junior High School. Bud was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman who excelled at fishing. Among his many talents, Bud played guitar and saxophone. As a former construction worker, many of his friends and neighbors who he happily helped whenever needed commonly relied upon Bud’s expertise as a carpenter, electrician, and general mechanic. Bud was a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas, a universally loved member of the Delta Eta Chapter of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and devoted Arkansas Razorbacks fan. Prior to attending the University of Arkansas, Bud had the unique experience of growing up in the Panama Canal Zone. He graduated from Cristobal High School in the Panama Canal Zone. Bud was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. Of all his many accomplishments, Bud’s greatest joy came from being a husband and father. Bud was a loyal and caring person who was known for a witty sense of humor. Bud was courageous and willing to fight for the truth regardless of any personal sacrifices. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel at 705 W. Meadow St. in Springdale, Arkansas, on Tuesday, April 15. A funeral service honoring and celebrating Bud’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 224 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visitation for family and friends will also take place at Medders Funeral Home in Crossett, Arkansas from 10-12 on Thursday, April 17. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 at Pugh Cemetery in Crossett, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Healing Touch Ministries, ℅ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.siscofuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sisco Funeral Chapel in Northwest Arkansas, and Medders Funeral Home in Crossett, Arkansas, is responsible for graveside services. Family, friends, and the public are invited to join in celebrating the life and legacy of Bud Planchon.

Bud Planchon

June 9, 1962 - April 11, 2014