Rhuel E. (Bud) Routh, 82, of Springfield MO passed away on January 22, 2016 after a long illness.

Bud was born and raised in Springfield, MO. Being born a natural athlete, his life was filled with sports. He graduated from Central High School in 1951. He then spent a short period of time at age 18 at a Yankee Minor League Camp in Louisiana. He then received a scholarship to play basketball at Iola Jr. College in Kansas. After completing that 2 year degree, he played basketball at Drury College where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree.
He met his wife Kay in 1958 and they were married in 1960. His first 2 jobs were Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach in Hurley, MO and Ozark, MO. While working, he furthered his education at Missouri State and received his Masters Degree. He continued to pursue his passion for sports by playing fast pitch softball for Barnes General Store & A-A Shopette and went on in 1967 to be the varsity basketball coach at Camdenton High School where he spent most of his career.
Bud also held positions of teacher, varsity golf coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent of Camdenton Schools.
In addition to working at Camdenton Schools, Bud refereed high school and Jr. College basketball games throughout central Missouri and was inducted into the Missouri Referee Hall of Fame. He also attended University of Missouri to obtain his Specialist Degree in School Administration.
Bud retired in 1990 and moved back to Springfield with wife Kay in 1999.
Bud was an avid golfer and spent most of his summers on the course.

Bud is preceded in death by his brother Andy Routh, sister Martha June Routh, and parents Leola and Rhuel Routh Sr. of Springfield, MO.

Bud is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay, his daughters Tammy Routh of Chicago, IL, and Julie Meersman (husband Jay) of St. Louis, MO, granddaughters Madison Meersman of Chicago, IL and Hailey Meersman of St. Louis, MO, sisters Jean Graham, Linda Martin, Judy Cloud (husband Dan), Jan Wells, and Mary Ellen Collins of Springfield, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will held at Campbell United Methodist Church, Springfield, MO, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 with Reverend Andy Bryan officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Visitation will be 10:00 am and will also follow after the service at 11:00 am .
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rare Breed Youth Outreach Center for at risk and homeless youth, 301 N. Main Ave., Springfield, MO 65806.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Neighborhoods of Quail Creek for their compassionate care given during Bud's stay.