Charles Augustus Boudreau, Jr.

Charles Augustus “Bud” Boudreau, a man who never met a stranger and rarely met a silence he couldn’t fill with a joke, took his final bow on December 18, 2025, passing away at his home. He was 87.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 3, 1938, to Charles Augustus Boudreau, Sr., and Theresa “Pat” Boudreau (née Norton), Bud eventually made his way to Kansas to start his real legacy. He was a 1956 graduate of Newton High School. It was there he met the absolute love of his life, Jeanne Suderman. He convinced her to say “I do” on September 3, 1960, and the two spent the next 65 years raising four children and proving that high school sweethearts can indeed go the distance.

Upon moving the family to Prairie Village, Kansas, Bud launched a career in life insurance sales. It was the perfect match for a man with a gregarious soul who was biologically compelled to strike up a conversation with every human being in his vicinity. If you stood in line next to him at the grocery store, you likely left knowing his name and a new joke.

A tireless worker, Bud took immense pride in being a provider, ensuring his family always had what they needed.

As his children grew up and gave him a new generation to entertain, Bud moved into his second act as “Papa.” It was here that his warm, nurturing, and unabashedly silly side truly shined. He was a legendary grandfather, always ready with a laugh or a prank.

Bud was a devoted and active member of Village Presbyterian Church for more than half a century. He was also a lifelong, die-hard fan of KU basketball; his family assumes he is currently explaining the lore of the “Rock Chalk” chant to all in eternal life who will listen.

Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne, at the home; his four children: Mary Pat Ayres (Mark), Bryan Boudreau (Elaina), Doug Boudreau (Sabine), and Nancy Smith (Dirk); and his small army of grandchildren, who will miss their Papa dearly: Ryan Clem (Ryley), Quinn Aldritt (Josh), Matt Ayres (Jayna), Olivia Ayres, Luke Boudreau, Alyssa Boudreau, Leo Boudreau, Ali Boudreau, Grace Boudreau, Zane Boudreau, Phi Boudreau, Daniel Boudreau, Ashley Dale (Jack), Cameron Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Peyton, Collins, Charlie, Arthur, and Weston.

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Trouslot, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Boudreau. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and hard work, most deeply mourned by his large family, and missed by the friends who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held on January 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Village Presbyterian Church