Ernest A. "Bud" Widmer, 88, of Otterbein, passed away at 6:20 a.m. Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Westminster Village of West Lafayette. He was born September 19, 1926 to the late Harry and Stella (Hanns) Widmer in Round Grove Township, White County. He graduated from Montmorenci High School in 1944. His marriage was to Ruth Marie Schwamberger on February 9, 1947 in Lafayette Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; she survives. Bud farmed for 46 years in Benton and Tippecanoe Counties; a true steward of the land always leaving the soil in better condition than before he started farming it. He was not one to worry about the crops and knew that the Lord would provide. Bud and Ruth Marie were members of Faith Lutheran Church where he served on many committees and the church council. They are presently members of the Otterbein United Methodist Church where he was happy to be part of the new building project. For many years the couple wintered in central Florida at The Villages. Bud enjoyed golfing with his friends both in Florida and Indiana, and was an avid card player. Surviving with his wife are two sons, Ralph Widmer (wife: Teresa) of Monticello and Paul Widmer (wife: Linda) of West Lafayette and two sister-in-laws Bonita Widmer and Helen Sturm, both of West Lafayette. Bud loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jason Widmer (wife: Donna) and their children Aspen, Brooke and Jack; Jenna Barnett (husband: David) and their children Zane and Max; Brandon Widmer (wife: Jamie) and their Children Kai and Reid; Gabe Widmer and his children Carlene, Eli and Sophia; Ashley Miller (husband: Kirk) and their children Ella, Kolin and Blake; Justin Widmer (wife: Jill) and their children Jaidyn, Jameson and Jocelyn; Chad Widmer (wife: Sarah) and their children Joe, Isabella, Margaret and Elizabeth; Janelle Hardebeck (husband: Brian) and their children Avery, Olivia and Eden; and Whitney Widmer (fiancée: Jake Wanner). Also surviving is a step-grandson, Brandon Chevillet (wife: Pam) and their children Ava and Elijah and a step-granddaughter, Jamie Chevillet (husband: Garret Schneider) and their son Abraham. Preceding him in death with his parents is a beloved son and daughter-in-law, Joe & Connie Widmer; a brother, Leroy "Doc" Widmer and two sisters, Maxine Fielding and Leona Stroop. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Otterbein United Methodist Church (405 East Oxford St.) Funeral service there 10 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 with Pastor John Randall to officiate. Interment to follow in Montmorenci Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Benton County Foundation - Joe & Connie Widmer Scholarship Fund, the Otterbein United Methodist Church or the Montmorenci Cemetery. Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com