Obituary: Major, John Carlton “Bub”
Age 89
He was born to Rovella and Oscar Major in Chewelah, WA on March 24, 1924.
With scarce job opportunities in the area, the family eventually found themselves in Harrington, WA.
In the 11th grade, Bub was drafted into the Army to fight in World War II.
During his time served in the war he was captured in the Battle of the Bulge.
He was a prisoner of war, escaped three times, was shot three times, but made it to freedom on the third try.
He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Upon arriving home, he met and married Mildred Kenney Hurst and moved to Coulee City.
They later divorced and he married Lois Badten.
He owned and ran the Gem Tavern for 25 years, and after retiring, moved back home to Chewelah, WA where he took to farming wheat.
Bub was well known by many for his generosity and kind heart.
All the children and adults in the area came to know him as “Santa Claus”.
And every summer he, as well as everyone in town, looked forward to his famous corn feed up on the farm.
In his spare time, Bub loved to go boating and fishing on the river.
After Lois’ passing, Bub married his longtime friend, Peggy Bauge.
They resided on his farm in Chewelah for the past 18 years.
Preceding him in death are his six brothers and sisters, Loren, Althea, Sue, Rovella, Thorma and Cora Rae.
Bub is survived by is wife, Peggy Major; children, Barry Major, Fred Hurst, Bunny Hurst Louk, Dan Bauge, John Bauge, Rick Lewis; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice to carry on Bub’s love of helping others.
A Mass and Military service is to be held in Bub’s honor on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah, WA.
I’m sure Bub’s last words heading Home were ~AMF~