It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Howard D. “Bud” Bierman, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 90.
Bud was born in Centralia, Illinois, on Tuesday, March 12, 1935, a beloved son of the late Nelson and Elisabeth (Coffey) Bierman.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM, family and friends will gather for funeral services at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Pastor Anthony Sweeney will officiate this Celebration of Bud’s life. Visitation will be held the same day from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. Bud will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Calumet Christian Church, a place where Bud found solace and community. Contributions may be sent to Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-3523, who is honored to serve Bud’s family. Friends and family are encouraged to express condolences online by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.
Bud’s life was beautifully enriched by his family. Together with his late wife Carol, he cherished every moment as they raised three devoted children: Bruce Bierman and his wife, Juanita, of Centralia, Barry Bierman and his wife, Julie, of Centralia, and Karen Hennings and her husband, Dan, of Sumter, South Carolina. His legacy continues through his treasured grandchildren—Bryan J. Bierman of San Diego, California, Kimberly Burton and her husband Andy of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Jordan Hennings and Aleesa Johnson of Cameron, North Carolina—as well as his adored great-grandchildren: Ava and Liam Burton, Ember Hennings, and one eagerly anticipated addition to the family. Bud is also survived by his brother: Allen Bierman of Centralia, his cherished sister: Barbara Gorman of Centralia, and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Carol Bierman, his parents, Nelson and Elisabeth Bierman, and his grandson, Jeffrey A. Bierman.
Bud served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he found his calling at the Centralia Post Office, where he dedicated many years until his retirement. Beyond his family, Bud was a man of many interests and affiliations. As an active member of the Calumet Christian Church, the Centralia Moose Lodge, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Bud cultivated friendships and connections that endured the years. Known fondly in his neighborhood as “Mr. Fix It,” Bud could always be counted on to lend a helping hand.
