Charles "Bud" Hickenbottom, 81, passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2015, following a brief and unexpected illness.

Charles was born on Sept. 17, 1933, in Merna, Neb., and raised in Ellensburg, Wash. where he attended Ellensburg High School. He was involved in football, basketball and was an accomplished trumpet player.

Following high school, Charles served with the United States Navy for 20 plus years, owned a small business and finished his career in the Cryptographic field with the United States Government.

Charles was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Sharon Martin, who passed away in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Hilda "Rusty" Hickenbottom; his two daughters, Linda Mitchell and Merri Sparacio; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, in room 301 at Real Life Ministries, Post Falls campus, 1866 North Cecil Road, Post Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Hospice House of North Idaho at 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho, 83835 (www.honi.org).

English Funeral Chapel of Coeur d'Alene has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Bud's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.