Hugh T. “Bud” Croft, Jr.
Hugh T. “Bud” Croft, Jr., 88, formerly of Philipsburg, died Friday, August 31, 2018, at Colonial Courtyard, Clearfield.
Hugh was born on April 4, 1930, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Hugh T. and Ida Ruby (Vaughn) Croft.
Hugh was raised in Philipsburg and he attended the former Philipsburg High School.
Better known as “Bud,” he had a long and accomplished career as a truck driver. More than just a job, it was a career that he truly enjoyed. He was employed as a driver with a few local businesses including: the Morningstar and Marhoffer bread companies, both formerly of Philipsburg; he was an independent owner /operator with Brown Bros. Trucking, formerly of Clearfield; and most recently, the former R.T. Merryman Trucking, Inc., Philipsburg, from which he retired. Bud received numerous awards during his career and he was proud of his safe driving record. Most notably, he was proud of his Distinguished Safety Award that he received in December, 1994, for 1 million consecutive accident free miles.
Following his truck driving career, Bud remained active in the community and was employed in the produce department at the Weis supermarket in Philipsburg. He was a Life Member of the B.P.O. Elks #1173, Philipsburg and a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local #110.
When he was not “on the road” Bud enjoyed spending time with his family at his camp, “Six Mile Run Camp,” in Black Moshannon. He was known as a great storyteller. Bud enjoyed reminiscing about old memories and the joy and laughter his stories brought to his listeners.
Bud was married on August 31, 1948, in Philipsburg, to the former Mary Alice Hickson, who preceded him in death on April 1, 2005.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Croft and Dorothy Phillips; and one brother, Melvin Croft, in addition to his parents and wife.
Bud is survived by two daughters, Mary Cassandra “Cassie” Abbott and her husband, William, of Bellwood and Brenda L. Finney, of RD Philipsburg; one son, Nevin T. Croft and his wife, Lori, of Clearfield; eight grandchildren: Mark Abbott, Brent Abbott, Aaron Abbott, Brooke Louden, Tyler Croft, Brittany Fulton, Curtis Finney and Trey Finney; sixteen great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandra “Sandy” Pepperday, of (South) Philipsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear and beloved friend, Donna Shields; a friend and companion with whom he shared many special memories.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 1:00 pm at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg with Pastor Ryan Parish, officiating.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, from 5 to 8 pm; and on Wednesday, from Noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bud’s memory to the First Church of Christ, P.O. Box 58, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.
