Lt. Col. John Joseph Labuda, Jr.

John LaBuda, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to California with his family, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly little league baseball.

He graduated from Sacramento State University, where he excelled in collegiate water polo. Following his graduation, John joined the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After completing his training, he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, with the KC-135 Tanker Squadron. It was in Spokane that he met his wife, Sudee; they married just six months after their first meeting and celebrated 43 wonderful years together. Their sons, Robert and Joey, were born in Spokane.

John later joined the Idaho Air National Guard in Boise, where he flew F-4s and Wild Weasels for 12 years until the retirement of the Weasel aircraft. In 1996, the family relocated to Warner Robins, Georgia, where John joined the Georgia Air National Guard and flew B-1s until the mission transitioned to Joint STARS. He eventually became the Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander before retiring. After his military service, he ran a government consulting business and enjoyed golfing with his friends.

John was cherished by many for his ability to show how much he valued their friendships. He had a deep bond with his flying and golf buddies, as well as friends he had known for decades.

Above all, John loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his family. Everything he did was for them, and he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  John's happiest times were spent with his loving wife, cherished sons, wonderful daughters-in-law, precious EE, Buddy, and of course the pugs. 

John was preceded in death by his father, John LaBuda, Sr., and his mother Hellen Baker. 

He is survived by his wife, Sudee; his son Robert, his wife Jayne, and their children Elin and Anders; his son Joey and his wife Jessica; siblings Lisa Miller and family, Leigh Gilmore (Tom), Donny Gilmore (Barb), and David Gilmore (Keith); stepmother Giselle Labuda; and father-in-law Don Gilmore.

“In Christ there are no goodbyes.” 

A memorial gathering will held on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held immediately following, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, John will be laid to rest privately. 

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.