Walter "Bud" O. Hollis

Walter O. “Bud” Hollis, age 79, of Colwich, Kansas passed away on September 9, 2026 surrounded by his family/loved ones.

Bud, also warmly known as Buddy by his family, was born on December 20, 1946 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Berniece Eulalah (Loyd) and Bartlett Paul Hollis. Berniece later married Harold L. Hull of Towanda, KS – who Bud considered to be of great importance and influence in his life.

During his school years Bud was involved in track, basketball, baseball, scouts and a member of the Towanda United Methodist Church. Bud graduated from Circle High School in 1965 and then attended Pittsburgh State University.

Throughout his lifetime, Bud was known for his work ethic, determination, and ability to get things done. From a young age he had many jobs – bicycle repair, newspaper route, and fry-cook. Bud was employed by John Hancock for over 30 years winning many awards for exemplary achievements, while also working his own business for many years.

Those who knew Bud/Buddy will remember him for his enthusiasm for writing and research. He always said his “hands were made for pen and paper.” Until recently you could always find him typing away at his computer on his next research or training project.

Though Bud’s life was riddled at times with addiction, his knowledge of and work in addiction recovery opened doors for him to encourage and help others. He spent many hours, days, weeks, months, sharing his own story with others whose lives had been affected by addiction – supporting them, trying to help them in their own recovery.

Outside of work, he enjoyed watching movies, Star Trek, Gun Smoke, playing Desert Commander, Tetris, and fixing breakfast for his loved ones. More than anything, Buddy loved his family. The time he spent with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends meant more to him than anything else.

His family will especially cherish the memories of days when the house was full of laughter, chatter, his big antics and dramatic ways, and love shown to him by his grandkids. His absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but the love, memories, and lessons he gave his family will remain with them forever. He was always an encourager, and his deepest desire was for his family to know and love the Lord and succeed in whatever they chose to pursue.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents: Berneice and Harold Hull, Bartlett Hollis, sisters Maxine, Sarah Jane, Nancy, and Jo Ann; nephew Mark Bazil.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Rosalie, his children Jessica (Matthew), Colby, Jana (Keith); and grandchildren: Maria, Johnny, Micah, Jude, Kamden, Jaxten, Kenzley, Matthias, and Joelee; his niece Charlotte and nephew Shaun and the many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched over the years.

Though saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, his family is grateful every year, every conversation, every laugh, and every memory they were blessed to share with him. Buddy’s life mattered, he was deeply loved, and he will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 11am at Faith Community Church, 17th & Gow, Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gambler’s Anonymous https://gamblersanonymous.org/; or Faith Community Church.