Well, we are here. With much family surrounding us and support from dear friends near and far, we are preparing for our dear Dad’s services for the next 48 hours. It will, without a doubt, be hard for all of us. Our home has been filled with so much love as we have spent much time reading positive and uplifting messages and talking with loved ones. 

Dad departed the Earth surrounded by dear loved ones on Monday at approximately 8:07am. He made it through his third surgery at Research Medical Center in KC on Sunday evening/Monday morning. Following this surgery, the trauma team was actually very positive about how well he did through surgery— one we were told he had an approximate 10% chance to make it through. Although his bleeding didn’t stop, it was decreasing and we had glimmers of hope. 

Over night Monday, we were told he was only maintaining a blood pressure due to the medications he was on. At this time, we supported my mom and together made decisions to say our goodbyes. With the support of doctors and our amazing nurses, we were able to pray around his bedside and hold on to each other and dad as we turned off all machines. 

Knowing that we were gathered around him as he exited his physical being was full of sorrow, but also will eventually bring peace to each of us that were there including my sisters, mom, my husband Michael, my dad’s brother and sister, 2 of my cousins, and our Pastor. We won’t ever be able to express enough gratitude to Dad’s night nurse in the NS-ICU at Research, Stacy, as she stayed way after her clock hours to be with our family. 

We want to inform all all of those who will be attending about a few details we have planned for his services. The American Legion Riders will be doing a Riders mission including preparing the perimeter of the funeral home and church properties both days. They will also have a posted flag line outside of both services. Many of these individuals are some of my dad’s dearest friends, so a simple pat on their shoulder will do a lot to encourage them in this gesture for our family. We will have the Nace Brothers music playing on the speaker system at the funeral home during the visitation. We didn’t pre-screen any of the music as we decided dad wouldn’t want it that way. However, Dad enjoyed the friendship he shared with the Nace Brothers and loved listening to them at various venues. We will have small cardstock cards cut and available at both events for anyone to write a note, memory, story, or a message to our family. We plan to preserve these memories for each of us to have. We know many of you have shared these the past few days, but having them one place in writing will be ever appreciated by all of us. While the weather may not remain on our side, please do not let that deter you from coming to show your support. We know he cares about many, and honestly- we need all of the encouragement we can in the days ahead. 

We were able to receive personal effects of my dad’s from the crash this evening. In his portfolio, we found the eulogy he hand wrote to deliver at his dear friend Dan Worthington’s service nearly 3 weeks ago. Dad wrote this part at the conclusion that touched me so dearly and I found it fitting to share with each of you. I know Dan would want the same for dad too. 

“May your roads be smooth. May the wind be at your back and the sun keep you warm. May your bike’s fuel tank never be low on fuel. And we will always share a special place in our hearts for you til we reunite for that ride in heaven. And yes! Heaven is full of Harleys! When your brother and sisters hear that rumble in the skies, it’s not thunder... it’s that sound of the Harley’s pipes out for a never ending ride!” 

<<Dad had had originally written the eulogy to include Lucy’s pipes at the end as that was Dan’s bike’s name.>>

Please remember that although we care greatly about all of the physical items that have been brought or given to us, we would greatly appreciate contributions left in his memory to the Warrensburg Schools Foundation or The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. 

Please reach out to us in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead. Although our daddy won’t be here physically on our Earth, we have plenty of memories to share and celebrate with our loved ones. Don’t hesitate to help us do that. 

With love, 
Macae (or Katie Lynn as my dad would call me) 
**on behalf of the Mudd family

Visitation on Thursday, June 6th from 5-8pm at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral home in Warrensburg. Funeral on Friday, June 7th at 10:00am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg. Interment will follow at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are welcome to join us following graveside services back at the church where anyone is welcome and encouraged to share other memories while enjoying fellowship with friends.