Gilbert “Bud” Arden Weidman, 80, went home to be with the Lord early in the morning on January 12, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas.
Born on December 14, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to Gilbert and Ethel Weidman, Gilbert grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where he graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. Shortly after, he served his country honorably in the Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967.
In 1968, Gilbert married Maria Lopez in Yuma, Arizona, and together they had five children before parting ways in 1979. He later remarried twice before finding his soulmate in Lydia. Gilbert and Lydia were married in 1996 and shared nearly three decades of love and companionship until his passing.
A dedicated worker throughout his life, Gilbert served with the U.S. Postal Service from 1970 to 2003 and delivered newspapers for the Topeka Capital-Journal from 1970 to 2016. After retiring from the post office, he became a bus driver for Shawnee Heights School District from 2004 to 2018. Even in retirement, Gilbert remained active as landlord and devoted much of his time to his community.
Gilbert was a faithful member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church and an avid gardener who found joy in nurturing both plants and people. He volunteered extensively with Master Gardeners, the Daylily Club, Ward-Meade Park, and Lake Shawnee gardens. Summers were often spent camping at Treasure Lake with family. A proud Shriner, Bud also gave generously of his time to Christian Neighbor Center and Harvesters.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters; and his sister Leslie Massopust. He is survived by his beloved wife Lydia Weidman of Berryton, Kansas; four children: Kirk Holland of Berryton, Kansas; Gwyn Weidman of Florida; Jason Weidman of Topeka; and John Weidman of Topeka; two sisters: Lori (Jonathan) Brickman of Topeka and Tacy (Darrell) Edwards of South Carolina; one brother Durand “Randy” (Christine) Weidman; and several grandchildren.
A celebration of Gilbert’s life will be held at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the church. A private inurnment will take place at Lynn Cemetery at a later date.
Gilbert’s memory will live on through the lives he touched and the gardens he nurtured.
