Virden got to celebrate his 39th birthday 52 times! His body couldnt keep up with his young spirit and eventually shut down on July 24, 2019. Virden was an Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, though he never felt comfortable claiming WWII, as he was assigned to Korea just before the final treaties were signed. In Korea, he was a Staff Sergeant and after leave, often sent treasures from Japan home to his parents, Art and Edna Turner of Tonganoxie, KS. Virden met Gaylene at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia - she always told the story of how "The Old Maid met the Old Bachelor." They married and had three children - Leslie Owens (Phil Owens, OKC), Leanne Stock, who died last October (Wil Stock, Watonga, OK), and Keith Turner (Meredith Turner, Sugar Land, TX). July 30 would have been Bud and Gaylenes 53rd wedding anniversary. Virden was rarely without a lap dog, and Gaylene soon learned that dogs were part of the family. He retired from a career in industrial engineering, starting as an instructor at university and high school levels, then later as drafter-designer using computer-aided drafting. He had a Bachelors degree in industrial engineering from Kansas State University and a Masters degree in education from what is now known as Emporia State University. He enjoyed woodworking, and his shop was almost as good as his fathers (if not better) where he made hand-crafted heirloom pieces. Virdens family grew with many biological and adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he had many nieces and nephews. He welcomed them all. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He always reminded family members of his rules: Grandpa always catches the first fish, the biggest fish, and the most fish. Often, the kids didnt follow his rules. Virden was a faithful member of Council Road Baptist Church since 1979, and would probably want his friends to know that he is keeping a seat for you at the table (Mt. 8:11). Viewing will be Thursday, August 1 from 10am-9pm with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany, OK. Funeral services will be Friday, August 2 at 11:00 am at Mercer-Adams, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. If you would like to donate instead of sending flowers, please direct memorial donations to a charitable organization that you feel would have pleased Virden. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Thursday, August 01, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Friday, August 02, 2019 11:00 AM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008