Armond Russell "Buddy" Imes Jr., 80, of Ashland, passed away Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at his residence, after an extended illness.
Buddy was born June 24, 1937, in Terra Haute, Ind., the son of the late Judge A.R. Imes and the late Evelyn May Imes.
A lifelong resident of Boyd County, Buddy was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Delano "Dickie" Imes and Edward Joseph "Joe" Imes.
Buddy was a member of Ashland High School Class of 1955, attended Morehead State University and Ashland Junior College. He was a member of 13th Street Baptist Church in Ashland and served as song leader. Buddy retired from Armco Steel in 1992 after 34 years. He worked primarily in plant protection/EMT at Norton Clockhouse. After his retirement, he was employed as an assistant manager for six and half years at Medical Transportation Service (MTS).
Buddy played trumpet as a member of the 202nd Army National Guard Band from 1955 to 1964. He performed in several area dance bands, including the Ronnie Ball Orchestra. Later in life, Buddy was a member for 22 years of Singing Kernels Barbershop Chorus as a baritone and served in various offices in the organization. Buddy was active in his children's education, serving as PTA president of Condit Elementary and band booster president for two years at Boyd County High School. He was commissioned as a Kentucky colonel and bowled in the Armco Bowling League.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Kemper Imes; three sons, David Richard (Susannah) Imes of Ashland, Daniel Alan (Jill) Imes of Flatwoods and Dwayne Edward (Kara) Imes of Lexington; six grandchildren, Emma Grace Imes of Flatwoods, Nora Alyse and Jeffery Dwayne Imes of Lexington, Austin, Ethan and Angelina Patel of Ashland; several nieces and nephews; and numerous in-laws, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at 13th Street Baptist Church in Ashland with Pastor Jim Byrd officiating. Interment will be in Ashland Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Buddy wanted to thank all his health care providers who looked after him during his illness.
Steen Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
