Norman "Bud" McCain of Hollister, Mo., passed away on Nov. 16, 2025. He was born July 5, 1930, in Pueblo, Colo. He moved to California at the age of 10.
As a teenager, Bud raced cars through the oil fields in Long Beach and worked on cars with his best friend. He started working at Avocado Corner at the age of 11 and continued until he was 25. While working there, a pastor's son invited him to church when he was 18. He attended and gave his life to Christ, and he also met a young Judy Barry. They started dating within the youth group at church before Bud went off to the Army. He served in the 24th Infantry Division, 34th Regiment, George Company, stationed in Japan during the Korean War.
When he returned home after the war, Bud and Judy were married on Oct. 16, 1953. Like many young couples, they had no money and honeymooned in Oregon while visiting his family. They slept on the couch in his brother’s trailer.
Bud worked a variety of jobs, starting at Avocado Corner. He then worked as a truck driver for Von’s Grocery (he could back a trailer into the smallest of spaces), he worked as an electrician with his brother Jack (he helped wire the Matterhorn ride at Disneyland and met Walt Disney), and when there was no work, he went through the IBEW union hall.
In the summer of 1969, Bud and Judy joined the staff at Campus Crusade for Christ and worked at the headquarters in San Bernardino, Calif. Bud was in charge of the physical plant and all maintenance. While there, they also supported the College Training Group (CTG) and had many college students over during holidays, as they were away from home.
In 1976, the McCains moved to Portland, Ore., where Bud took a position at Judson Baptist College. He was in charge of the physical plant and grounds there. While living in Portland, he also did electrical contracting and did maintenance/electrical repairs for Winchell’s Donuts.
Bud and Judy moved back to California in 1984, where he opened a school, Construction Institutes of California, for construction estimating.
In 1995, Bud “retired” and they moved to Missouri. As a retiree, he still did electrical contracting here, and they became caretakers for another family. They became surrogate parents for three additional children. They also hosted many students from the Missouri Military Academy who were away from their families during the holidays.
Bud had a heart of service to others and had always been active in every church he attended. He served as a deacon at Village Bible Church, Wrightwood Baptist Church, Community Bible Church, First Baptist Church of Nixa, and North Nixa Baptist Church.
Bud leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter, and service. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Judy (Barry) McCain, his five children, Melodee (Kendall) Lacy, Starla (Richard) Kull, Brad (Ali) McCain, Robin (Earl) McAlpine, and Barry (Barbara) McCain, as well as twenty grandkids, thirty-four great grands and one great, great grandchild.
Bud was greeted upon arrival in heaven by his loving savior, Jesus Christ, two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two sisters, Norma and Geraldine, and two brothers, Jack and Richard.
A memorial service was held on Monday, November 24, at North Nixa Baptist Church; Pastor Travis Edwards officiated. A committal service was held on Tuesday, November 25, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, in Springfield, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to: Faith Christian Missions, PO Box 1685, Beckley, WV 25802. Memo Line: Pina Ministry.
