Cletus Byrne Jr.

Cletus E. (“Bud”) Byrne Jr., (91)

A St. Louis boy born and bred; Bud graduated from McBride High School. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Bud returned to St. Louis, where he graduated from St. Louis U. with a degree in accounting and began a fifty-one year career in the investment business.

In 1962 he was transferred to Denver and fell in love with Colorado. He had a distinguished career including service on the Board of Governors of the National Association of Securities Dealers and as an NASD arbitrator for thirty years. He also served on the lay advisory board at St. Mary’s Academy for sixteen years. After retiring, Bud pursued his passions for travel and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy Nangle Byrne, second wife Leah Schoelzel, and third wife Kay Chorley Grossman Byrne; his parents, Cletus Sr. and Mary “Bess” Byrne, brother Donald Byrne (Loretta), sister Audrey Merkle (George), and brother-in-law Charles Schwendeman.

He is survived by sister Elizabeth “Betty” Schwendeman, daughters Elizabeth Byrne (Robert) and Barb Waffle (Steve), grandson Drew Waffle (Julia), granddaughter Anne Clinton, great-grandson Declan Waffle, and many stepchildren and step-grandchildren, sisters- & brothers-in-law, and nieces & nephews.

Bud was the quintessential people person, known for his joie de vivre and lively sense of humor. He was always ready with a story or a one-liner. Despite the untimely death of his first wife Nancy, he went on to find love with Leah and after her passing, once again with Kay. Though he faced numerous health challenges in his last years, he never lost his optimism or his thoughtful and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A special thanks to Lisa Lo for her steadfast love and friendship and to his wonderful caregivers.

Donations in Bud’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Academy, 4545 S. University Blvd., Englewood, CO 80112 ( www.stmarys.academy/donate ); Arrupe Jesuit High School, 4343 Utica St., Denver, CO 80212 ( www.arrupejesuit.com/give ).

A celebration of life will take place in Denver - Friday, February 25.  Funeral Mass and Interment in St. Louis, Missouri - Saturday, February 26, 2022, 10 am, The Old Cathedral