Emerson A. "Bud" Shultz Jr.

Dateline: Godfrey Emerson A. “Bud” Shultz Jr., 90, died at 11: 25 p.m. Thursday November 14, 2024 at Alton Memorial Hospital, in Alton, IL. Bud was born on May 28, 1934 in Champaign Il. The son of the late Emerson A. and Katherine L. (Roberts) Shultz Sr. Bud achieved his bachelor’s in music at University of Illinois, where he was the Vice President of the U of I Marching Band and his Master’s in Education at Purdue University, where he was the woodwind instructor for the Purdue University bands and he was assigned to one of the ROTC bands. Bud also served in the U.S. Army. He was the band instructor at North Junior from 1963-1967 and continued at Alton High school from 1967-1977, which included leading the Symphonic Band and The Marching 100. Both bands achieved awards in competitions over the years. Bud was a professional musician from the age of 15, he was asked to play with a professional band where he spent many weekends traveling around central and southern Illinois playing different band gigs. He and his wife Gail owned and operated Winds and Stings Music shop in North Alton, IL for 10 years. Shortly after opening the music store Bud organized the “You Can’t Beat Experience Jazz Band.” The band played for many weddings, class reunions, benefits and general entertainments. Bud ended his professional career playing in February 2023 making it the last Mardi Gras Celebration sponsored by Hayner Library and Lewis and Clark Community College He married L. Gail (Woodling) in Decatur IL on June 24, 1956, and she survives. Besides Gail, he is survived by one son and daughter in law, Mark and Debbie Shultz of Greendale Wisconsin., two grandsons Michael (Julie) Shultz of Franklin Wisconsin, Nathan Shultz Milwaukee Wisconsin, four great grandchildren Adelyn, Gabirelle, Lydia, and Spencer Shultz. A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at The Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church on Dunn Road in Florissant, MO with Rev. Theodore Laesch officiating. Memorials may be made to The Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Emerson A. "Bud" Shultz Jr.

May 28, 1934 - November 14, 2024