Lewis Mathias Bever

Lewis Mathias “Bud” Bever of West Lafayette passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at the age of 84. Bud was born on June 1, 1941, in Veedersburg, Indiana, to Gilbert A. and Vernice I. Bever.

He graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1959, where he excelled in both academics and sports. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1972, Bud began his nearly 39-year career as an Agricultural Statistician in the Indiana Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, United States Department of Agriculture, located at Purdue University. In 1976, Bud transferred to the Arizona Field Office in Phoenix, Arizona, and in 1978 transferred to the Minnesota Field Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When the opportunity arose to return to Indiana, Bud returned to the Indiana Field Office, where he continued until his retirement in 2009.

Bud was a loyal Purdue fan and enjoyed attending local high-school baseball, football, and basketball games. He enjoyed taking care of his rental properties and spending time with family, friends, and his cat, Iggy. He also enjoyed singing karaoke, which was a delightful surprise to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Deloris Moore and Susie Lamie.

In 1994, Bud married Susan L. (Fix) Mertz, and she survives. Also surviving are his brother, Milo (Fauneil) Bever; his daughter, Marcie McAhren; his son, Bryan (Dinah) Bever; and grandchildren, Krystal (Shannon Norman) McAhren, Wesley (Julianne) McAhren, Joshua, Andrew, Nathaniel, and Hannah Bever. Also surviving are stepdaughters, Rachel and Dorie Mertz, as well as several nieces, nephews, former co-workers, and friends. Special thanks to Alan Erickson, Andy Higgins, Paul and Cindy Pritchard, and the staff and residents of West Lafayette Assisted Living for their friendship and support.

A Celebration of Life for Bud will be held in the Spring.

Memorial donations may be made in Bud's honor to Almost Home Humane Society (1705 S 2nd Street Lafayette, IN 47905) or Loving Paws Animal Center, Inc. (7750 St Rd 43N Battleground, IN 47920).

Disposition is entrusted to Comfort Cremations, 674 N. 36th St., Lafayette, IN 47905 | (866) U-R-Loved | www.comfortcremations.net.