Irvin “Bud” Lawhead, formerly of Mark K Inc. in Findlay, OH, passed away on June 19. He was 89.

Born in Pittsburgh to Curtis and Sophia Lawhead, he graduated high school in 1950 and joined the U.S. Navy, serving for four years in the Korean War.

Upon his return, he married Ellen Tasker in 1955 and studied technical illustration and drafting in Pittsburgh before relocating to Columbus, OH, to work for North American Aviation. Two years later, he began work as a technical writer and illustrator for energy tech firm Dresser Industries, where he stayed for almost 30 years. After retiring from that job, he began selling promotional products for Findlay, OH-based Mark K Inc. for nearly three decades.

Lawhead and his wife cared for 29 foster children, and he helped to spearhead the creation of Camp Help for handicapped youth. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Sales Adclub and Y’s Men International, where he was treasurer for 15 years. In 2013, he traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight for veterans.

Lawhead also enjoyed golf, travel and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Leta; daughter Bonnie (Ken) Berry; and stepchildren Linda (Carl) Voellmecke, Dan (Stephanie) McNeil, Don (Lisa) McNeil and Diane (Greg) Stutz; as well as 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Ellen, son Dale, daughter-in-law Patricia and son Samuel.

Visitation will be at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 241 South Prospect St. in Marion, OH, on Wednesday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Brush Ridge, OH.

Memorial donations may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Y’s Men or local cat sanctuary.