William Carr "Bud" Mcnamara Jr

William Carr "Bud" McNamara, Jr., was called to his heavenly reward on Monday, June 30, 2014. He was born on August 4, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late William Carr McNamara and Avaline (Probst) McNamara. He graduated from Saint Paul's High School in 1943 and attended the University of Notre Dame. During World War II, he served as a Naval radio operator on the U.S.S. LSM 208. He was happily married to his beloved wife Joan for 64 years.

Mr. McNamara valued community engagement and helping others. He owned and operated McNamara's Service Station in Marion, Indiana, serving the automotive needs of the community for 50 years. He was a life-long member of the Elks and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also enjoyed the camaraderie he found as a past member of both the Meshingomesia Country Club and the Aero Club. He was a fervent believer in the power of prayer and began every day with mass at St. Paul's Catholic Church. He took these words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta to heart: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," as he served the needs of Marion's poor by enthusiastically washing dishes at St. Marten de Poore.

Bud lived his life with passion and zeal. He was an avid, talented golfer who could be found enjoying the challenges of a course most days of the week. (In fact, he is known to his many great-grandchildren as simply "Golfing Grandpa"!) However, his love of golf paled in comparison to his ardent support of Notre Dame Football throughout his life. Whether he was enjoying the special traditions of Notre Dame Football Saturdays on campus or watching the game on television, he was an animated, loyal fan.
Though he had a great love for golf and Notre Dame, he most cherished spending time with his family. He considered his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be his proudest achievement in life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Avaline McNamara; his sister, Avaline McNamara; and his grandson, Jacob Frayer.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his siblings, Tom McNamara, Kathleen Kester and Caroline Zimmer-Stone; his children, Avaline (Paul) Frayer; Chris McNamara; and Sue Ellen (Tom) Kamp; his grandchildren, Julie (Scott) Piller; Jessica (Brad) Riggins; Jennifer (Dan) Frayer-Griggs; Jaime Frayer; Jonathan (Jamie) Frayer; Joseph Frayer; Jillian (Thomas) Christenson; Christopher (Deia) McNamara; Carissa Camacho; Benjamin Kamp; Chelsea (Brent) Maiberger; and his great-grandchildren, Caroline Piller; Corbin, Kaden, and Kellyn Riggins; Jonah and Levi Frayer-Griggs; Kilyan Wilson-Frayer; Jude Frayer and Ava Camacho.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Estates of Serenity, Marion, Indiana.

Friends may call Wednesday, July 2, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana. Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Guardian Angel Hospice or Saint Paul Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com