Carl Arsane Budinich, Sr.

Mr. Carl Arsane Budinich, Sr., passed away Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Biloxi, MS. Mr. Budinich was born in Biloxi, MS, on January 6, 1917. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Alma Rebecca Lewis Budinich; parents, John and Catherine Battaya Budinich; sisters, Antonia "Plucky" Budinich Malone and Hilda Budinich McAllister; and his brothers, George Budinich and Francis "Buck" Budinich. He is survived by his son, Carl A. (Brenda) Budinich, Jr. of Mobile, AL; daughter, Sue Budinich McClure of Biloxi; six grandchildren, Denise Budinich (Jeff) Hale of Boise, ID, Marc (Monique) Budinich of New Orleans, LA, Craig (Tracy) Budinich of Gaithersburg, MD, Eric Budinich of Mobile, AL, Mandy McClure (Will) Brawley of Columbia, SC, and Courtney McClure of Biloxi; and seven great grandchildren. Rodney Budinich, a beloved nephew, devoted much time to his uncle. Mr. Budinich had numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Mr. Budinich was proud to have served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was with the 932nd Field Artillery Battalion and Cannon Company, 137th Infantry, 31st Division. His military career began in North Africa and continued to Naples, Italy. He fought in Cassino, Anzio, and Naples in Italy, and then in Marseilles, France. He was in combat in France, Austria, Germany, Belgium and fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General George Patton. He was in Germany when World War II ended. He was awarded five Battle Stars in his campaigns and was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, the European Theater of War Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the WW II Victory Medal, The American Campaign Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Budinich was a Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer during WW II. In 1950, during the Korean War, he helped create a new guard unit in Biloxi, MS, the 631st Field Artillery Battalion. The unit was federalized and shipped to Germany. Mr. Budinich was raised on Delauney Street in Biloxi. When he was gorwing up, he and his brothers caught fish and sold them to Emile Desporte at his market. He caddied at the Biloxi Country Club (today's Keesler Air Force Base). He also took people in his row boat to the islands to fish. He was retired from the Civil Engineers Department at Keesler Air Force Base. During his retirement, he traveled extensively with his wife, Becky, and loved to fish. Mr. Budinich was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. he will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at 12 noon at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral where friends may visit from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery with Military Honors. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.