Crawfordsville, IN - Walter Lee "Bud" Mitton, 77, of Crawfordsville, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Born on September 9, 1947, to Orval G. and Leona R. (Neff) Mitton in Covington, IN, he was a devoted Husband to Elizabeth "Liz" (West) and a loving Father to; Toni Mitton Barnett (Hudson, FL), Lonny (D'Lee) Mitton Barnett (Guilford, IN) and Travis (Kimberly) West (Crawfordsville, IN).

Bud proudly served his Country in the Army from 1966 to 1968, serving one tour in Viet Nam with the 18th Engineer Brigade. Bud is a 35 continuous year Member of American Legion, Byron Cox Post #72 and a Life Member of Brian Bowman VFW Post #1431 in Crawfordsville. Bud's dedication to Family and Friends was also evident in his Love for his Country and his Community. Old Glory was a staple in the front yard and he never left the house without his cherished 18th Engineer Brigade ball cap.

An avid Fisherman, you would often find him on Raccoon Lake or Waveland with his fishin' Buddies; Larry, Tink or one of the Kids/Grandkids/Nieces/Nephews. Never to shy away from an opportunity to fish, he took many trips to Lake Erie for Walleye, finished in the TOP 8 of Montgomery County's B.A.S.S. Angler's Club on more than one occasion and just loved the sport of catching the somewhat elusive Indiana Crappie. Many great fish fries were had at the Mitton household over the years.

Bud's love of fishing never diminished his passion for Indiana Hoosiers Basketball and racing, especially Dale Earnhardt. From grassroots stock car racing in his younger years to joining the infamous "Waynetown Gang," a USAC Sprint Car racing staple for many years, with numerous wins and most notably, the current all-time record for "Little 500" wins, including 5 in a row.

Bud retired in from R.R. Donnelly & Sons Printing in Crawfordsville after 20+ years as a machinist and maintenance technician.

Bud is survived by his beloved Wife of 34 years, his Children, Grandchildren: Nathan Mitton Barnett; Hunter West, Kaden Mitton Barnett, Delayna Mitton Barnett, Madisyn Morgan and Hank West. Siblings: Sam (Patty) Mitton of Kingman, IN; Rebecca (James) Stewart of Columbia, SC and John Mitton of Wagner, SC. Far too many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins to list but of no less importance to him during his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Mitton of Columbia, SC.

A visitation and funeral service to honor Bud's life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W. Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Family will gather from 10 - 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 11 - 2:00 p.m. Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Military honors will be rendered graveside at the Waynetown Masonic Cemetery following the service.

Donations can be made to The American Legion or VFW, in Bud's memory, to help support fellow veterans in need and Legion Youth Programs.