Graveside services with full military honors for 1SG (Retired) Keith "Bud" Millard, 86, of Lawton, will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Placement will be in the Fort Sill National Cemetery Columbarium under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

1SG (Retired) Keith "Bud" Millard, age 86, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2023.  He was born in Casanovia, Michigan on August 25, 1937 to Asa and Hazel (Thompson) Millard.

Bud proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years at numerous duty stations, including Germany, Korea, Turkey and a tour in Vietnam.  His decorations include: the National Defense Service medal, the Good Conduct medal (6th award), the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 device, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, the Meritorious Service medal, the Bronze Star (1st oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation medal (1st class), the Vietnam Service medal, two overseas service bars and expert rifle qualification badge.

After his military retirement, Bud spent his time building dry dock storage units and fishing docks at Lake Ellsworth.  He worked as a mechanic at Montgomery Ward and Brake Fast of Lawton and worked as the bulk delivery manager for the Lawton Constitution.

Bud met and married Nancy Lynn Bello in the 1950's and while stationed in Ansbach, Germany they adopted their son, Steven.  Nancy preceded Bud in death on June 24, 1986 after 30+ years of marriage.  On January 1, 1987 Bud married Patricia "Pat" Saylor and they enjoyed 36 years together, gardening and traveling, including multiple trips to Michigan, Florida and Alaska.

Bud enjoyed many pastimes including woodworking, gardening, drowning minnows at the local ponds, hunting, assembling jigsaw puzzles and daily journaling.  His love of all things NASCAR and racing included building and racing his cars at the Lawton Speedway, followed by pitstops at the local watering hole for a cold one…or two. His home was not complete without the love of a family dog, of which there were several over the years.

Bud is survived by his wife and the family dog, "Sami" of the home; his son, Steven "Smiley" of Lawton; his grandson, Hunter of Moore, Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Haley of Nowata, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ken; and his sisters, Marva, Mary and Celaine.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.