Bud Vear

Dr. Charles “Bud” Vear, 100 years old July 5th, 2026.

Bud was born to Leonard and Helen Vear on July 5, 1926 in Lockport, NY. Bud had 3 brothers, one older and two younger. Around the 4th grade his family moved to Wheaton, IL., where Bud graduated from high school in 1944.

After graduation, Bud enlisted in the United States Navy. He was sent to Radio/Material school. After Bud graduated basic training and technical school, he was deployed to China. Bud’s enlistment date for the United States Navy was 1944-1946.

Following his enlistment, Bud used his GI Bill to attend Depauw University and graduated in 1950. Bud married Gloria Henderson in 1951. Together they were inspired by the book and movie, “Cheaper by the Dozen” and over the course of the next several years brought a dozen of their own children into the world! During the early marital years Bud furthered his education at Indiana University, where he completed his master’s degree in social work and worked with inner city children in Chicago. After a few years working with Chicago’s children, Bud began teaching middle school math and science for the next 7 years. While this was enjoyable, Bud’s dream of becoming a family doctor continued to take root. Bud brought this discussion to Gloria, who along with 8 or 9 children, moved to Missouri University, whereupon Bud completed his studies as a doctor.

The year was 1966 when Dr. Vear and Gloria moved to Saginaw, Michigan for his internship and the birth of child number 10. Upon completion of his internship, Bud, Gloria and the “gang” moved to Hillsdale, Michigan. In 1967 Dr. Vear established his family practice. It was here that Bud and Gloria added 2 more children (twins) to the roster. When not having children of their own, Dr. Vear delivered more than 2,000 babies in the Hillsdale community and was chief of staff at Hillsdale Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Vear served as the physician for the Hillsdale College football team and Student Health services for many years. Bud enjoyed Hillsdale College so much that 7 of his children and his wife Gloria graduated from there.

Bud and Gloria were married for 68 years. They loved Hillsdale and have been active in Saint Anthony’s Catholic church, and organizations such as Helping Hands and the Sauk Community Theater. Bud performed in 9 productions; Gloria participated in 27 programs but never on stage. Bud is also the current president of the local Right to Life chapter, former member of the American Legion, post 53, and volunteer at Perennial Park Senior Center. Additionally, Dr. Vear authored 6 books and put together the program for the 50th reunion of the Community Theater.

Dr. Vear celebrated his 100th birthday this summer and said there are 2 important attributes for a long life. The first being good genetics and the second was living a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Vear never smoked or drank alcohol. He believes exercise is important and integrated workouts his entire life. In addition to being a well-rounded athlete when he was younger, he continues to work out most days at Perennial Park fitness center at the Senior Center.

Bud Vear has been and is an incredible asset to his family, the community, the state of Michigan and the United States of America.