Coleman R. “Bud” Priest

Coleman R. “Bud” Priest of Libby passed away July 3, 2018. He was born June 6, 1948 in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada.

Bud is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served seven years and completed two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. He continued his service as a correctional officer in the State of Michigan prison system for seven years, then moved to California where he worked as a correctional sergeant for 22 years.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 50 years, and fathered three sons: Robert, David and Erik (deceased 2014). Coleman was also grandfather to six grandchildren born to Traci, his daughter-in-law of 18 years.

He then retired to Libby, where he was an outdoorsman at heart. He enjoyed activities such as camping, fishing and hunting. He loved being Santa under the tree at Christmas, and his favorite activity of all was pool!

His desire to serve his community and fellow veterans continued when he joined the VFW Post 5514 in Troy and served in various capacities, including as post commander for five years.

Bud will be missed very much.

A service will be held 11 a.m. July 12 at Milnor Lake Cemetery with military honors by VFW Posts 5514 and 1548 and American Legion Post 97.