Oliver Eugene 'Bud' Mees, Longtime DeGraff Resident, Passes Away at 71

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Oliver Eugene 'Bud' Mees, a 71-year-old resident of DeGraff, Ohio, passed away on March 31, 2026, at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima. Bud was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and worked as a material handler at DAB in Bellefontaine for over 20 years before retiring and owning his own construction company, driving school buses, and serving as a cemetery sexton. He was known for his hobbies of working on cars, collecting model cars, and enjoying the outdoors on the family farm.

Why it matters

Bud Mees was a longtime fixture in the DeGraff community, known for his hard work, community involvement, and dedication to his family. His passing marks the end of an era for this small Ohio town, as residents remember a man who embodied the values of hard work, neighborliness, and a love of the outdoors.

The details

Bud Mees is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Terri, their three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. After retiring from his long career at DAB, Bud kept busy with a variety of jobs, including owning his own construction company, driving school buses, and serving as the sexton for the Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff. In his free time, Bud enjoyed working on cars, collecting model cars, and spending time outdoors on the family farm, as well as taking road trips with his family.

• Bud Mees passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:26 a.m.
• Bud's visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4-6 p.m.

What’s next

Bud's funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Services in DeGraff, Ohio. Inurnment will be in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff at a later date.