Walter “Bud” Eugene Ledgerwood, 97, of Union Mills, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, with his caring companion, Patricia Cordigan by his side.
He was born on June 11, 1929, in Akron, Ohio.
Bud will be lovingly remembered by his children, Leonard (Melanie) Ledgerwood of Trail Creek, Charlotte (Scott) Bolka of Panama City Beach, Florida, and Kevin (Ricki) Ledgerwood of Rolling Prairie; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Patricia, and five siblings.
As an entrepreneur, Bud owned a display advertising business for more than 30 years before retiring as the manager of the La Porte Airport. He had a lifelong love of aviation and was both a pilot and flight instructor. Among many planes he owned, Bud was most proud of his 1946 Aeronica Chief J-3 Cub that he purchased in 1970 for $1,250. He once said flying is like being with a dear friend, it felt like being in the presence of God when he was above the clouds. He truly believed that it kept him young and active. He caught the affinity for aviation growing up and watching military pilots making runs in preparation for World War II. When he turned 18, he got his pilot’s license to fly at Weir Cook Municipal Airport, now known as Indianapolis International Airport, in a plane that is on display in an aviation museum in Cincinnati.
Bud was a founding member and past president of the La Porte Aero Club, where he remained active for a great many years, bringing his kids and grandkids, then great grand kids to more dinners and camp outs at the Aero Club than they can possibly remember. One of his greatest joys was his annual trip to Osh Kosh where he flew every year before retiring the plane and driving his RV.
Throughout his life, Bud enjoyed many interests and accomplishments. During his high school years, he had varied hobbies including dabbling in ice skating and gymnastics. He proudly served with the National Guard during the Korean War as a military police officer.
Among all, Bud’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He adored his wife Patti for “nearly all her life” as he would tell you and there was never a time he was shy to talk about his kids, grandkids and his ever growing group of great-grand kids. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home following the visitation.
Burial will follow at Union Mills Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for Bud’s family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.com.
