Kenneth Gordon Bud Lorts of St. James, Missouri passed away on Monday,  February 15, 2016 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Kenneth Lorts was born on May 18, 1929 to his parents: Blevie Milton and Ethel Underwood Lorts in Rolla, Missouri.

Bud was a kind, loving father and friend.  He loved people; he never met a stranger.  He was a great storyteller; one was easily pulled into his story by his smiling eyes and his infectious laughter.  He had a wise tale to fit every situation.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting squirrel and quail.  He was talented musically; he could play several instruments.  He was a very good harmonica player which he comonly referred to as a "French Harp".  He sang a lot with his mother and his sister, Bernice.  He liked playing shuffleboard and shooting pool.

Bud served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean Conflict.  He drove and organized frontline convoys which earned him a bronze star.  He worked for Texaco, Anheuser-Busch, Tucker Dairy and Phelps County Highway Department.  He retired from the Phelps County Highway Department after 25 years of service.  He has lived on his great grandfather's farm since returning from the service; his great grandfather and two brothers came from Tennesse, and he settled on the farm in the 1850s.  The first generation Lorts came from Germany as a German Mercenary to train soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

He was a member of the VFW Local 5608; he was also a member the VFW's Cooties, the Honor Degree of the VFW.  The Cooties provide entertainment for VFW hospitals and troops, help to widows and families, and other services in good humor and fun.

Kenneth Lorts is survived by two sons: Thomas Lorts of Everett, Washinton;and Steve Lorts and wife Donna of St. James, Mo.; and one daughter: Kenna Christopher and husband David of Washougal, Washington; four grandchildren: Mark Fredendall; Casey Christopher, Ryan Christopher, and Taylor Lorts;  and four great-grandchildren; along with other family members and a host of friends.

Kenneth Lorts is preceded in death by his parents: Blevie Milton  and Ethel Underwood Lorts; and a sister: Bernice Branstetter.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11 A.M. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo. with Craig Rippy officiating.  Pallbearers will be Greg Garver, Taylor Lorts, Travis Parsons, Kevin Hemme, Marvin Bartle, Mike Licklider, Dennis Branstetter and Honorary Pallbearers will be Sam Auxier, Kenny Williams, Don Licklider and Larry La Barge and David Christopher.  Burial with full military honors will be in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens in Rolla, Mo.

Memorials may be made to Solid Rock Christian Church in St. James, Mo.  Cards are available at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.jonesfunerals.com.

All arrangements under the directions of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.