Lew "Bud" Egglefield

Lew “Bud” Egglefield, who, after the passing of a dear friend in 2019, began referring to himself as “the oldest living male native in Elizabethtown,” passed away on 10/11/20 at the age of 91 in Port Orange, Florida, where he spent many warm winters with his wife, Marijane.

Lew was born the second of two sons in Elizabethtown, NY on June 30, 1929 to Spencer R. and Mary Evangeline (Nye) Egglefield. He was predeceased by his brother, Spencer A. Egglefield (2007). Bud attended K-8 in Elizabethtown and spent his high-school years at Manlius Military School in Manlius, NY, where he became a trumpeter in the marching band.

From an early age, Bud had a gift for music. He was his happiest when his hands were at the piano keys or his lips were pressed to the trumpet. Bud loved to sing, and he played a variety of instruments, many of them quite well. He played every note by ear. Playing piano and trumpet produced joy in Bud, and it provided those around him with years of exceptional entertainment; his was a gift that brought folks together.

Lew attended St. Lawrence University for one year before joining the United States Air Force and serving as a navigator in a squadron of B-26 bombers during the Korean War conflict. After discharge, he joined the Air Force Reserves, training Cadets and working with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) out of Burlington, VT. Bud remained active in the Reserves until his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 1979. He loved staying in touch with his Air Force buddies and seldom missed an Air Force reunion.

After Korea, Lew returned to Elizabethtown to work with his father and brother at the family Ford dealership, Egglefield Bros., Inc. He soon became co-owner of the business and dedicated many years to serving customers and ensuring its success. Bud later earned his Real Estate license and spent his “retirement” years working for Friedman Realty on Water Street in Elizabethtown. He loved the Adirondacks, and he knew the countryside like the back of his hand. He invested in property when he could (mostly so that he could hunt on it!) and enjoyed tending to its upkeep from the seat of his Ford tractor when he could no longer walk the land for sport.

Lew first met the “love of his life,” Marijane, in the winter of 1954-55 on a T-bar, while skiing at Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, NY. The story of that initial encounter involves some showing off, a humbling crash into the trees, and a bit of apres-ski mingling at Steinhoff’s, a favorite stop for locals after a day on the slopes. In November 1955, Bud and Marijane were married and bought their forever home at the base of Wood Hill in Elizabethtown. They divided their time between their home in NY and their winter home in FL, where Lew was able to spend his last days. Bud and Marijane would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this November.

Throughout the years, Lew was an active member (and one of the most ardent volunteers) of the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Essex County American Legion Post 551, the Elizabethtown Fish and Game Club, and countless other community organizations. For decades, he marched in uniform in the town’s Memorial Day parade, and was often called upon to play taps for funerals and other ceremonies and services. Lew loved his country and he loved his hometown of Elizabethtown.

Lew is survived by his wife, Marijane (Dobbs) Egglefield; their daughters Lu Anne (Peter), Tracey (Brian), Leslie (Jeff), and Alison; eight grandchildren: Anders (Kayla), Spenser (Sarah), Sara, Schuyler, Joseph, Genevieve, Jack, and Katie (Giorgio); his much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many life-long friends and neighbors. Lew was a social being who loved and lived life large. He will be greatly missed.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Elizabethtown on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lew's memory to the Essex County American Legion Post 551 in Elizabethtown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence, please visit healdfuneralhomeinc.com.