Jacob "Bud" Farnik Jr., 91, life resident of the New Raymer & Brush communities, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016, at his home. He was born March 3, 1925, in New Raymer to Jacob & Mary Farnik.

Bud worked on the family farm in New Raymer from a very young age. In 1944 he joined the US Army to serve during WW II. He served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines during the war. After the conclusion of WWII, he served on Occupation Duty in Korea until 1946. Following his honorable discharge, Bud returned to the family farm. In 1947 his father passed away, and he took over the responsibilities of running the farm and supporting his mother. On September 24, 1950, he married Melba Pollock in Greeley, CO.

Bud and Melba farmed, ranched, and raised their family in the New Raymer area from 1950 until 1991, when they retired and moved to Brush. Bud was known for his innovation in farming practices, and his care of his cattle herd. For years after his retirement, Bud came out to advise and assist his sons with the farming operation. Bud liked to hunt and fish when work permitted. He enjoyed working with and watching all animals. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bud was a very spiritual man. He always put God first in everything he did. He attended a non-denominational Christian church that meets in the home, and was Elder of the meeting in their home for fifteen years. He was best known for his wisdom, honesty, and integrity.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Melba of Brush; 3 children: Faye Buell, and her husband Lester of Brush; Jeffrey Farnik, and his wife Margaret of New Raymer, their children Mark "Storm" Farnik of Des Moines, IA, and Jamie Farnik of East Haddam, CT; and Steven Farnik and his wife Lanette of New Raymer, their children Spencer Farnik and his wife Danica of Snyder, CO, Todd Farnik and his wife Naleta of Snyder, CO, Mitchell Farnik and his wife Maggie of Brighton, CO; Vanessa Olmstead and her husband Kenneth of Japan, and Jared Farnik of Sterling. Bud also had 9 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Hastings of Moses Lake, WA. He was preceded in death by two children, Linda and Mark; 2 brothers, Frank & William; 4 sisters, Antonia, Emma, Frances, and Mary, and his parents.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at The Sanctuary, 14587 US Highway 34, west of Fort Morgan. Military honors will follow the service. A potluck dinner will be held after the service at The Sanctuary. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Fort Morgan. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Hospice of the Plains. The Heer Mortuary & Crematory is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.