Thayne Coulam Free “Bud” passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his wife and three children, on December 14, 2021. Bud was born February 23, 1940, in Salt Lake City UT. Phoenix became his home during his childhood.
He met Dawn, the love of his life, in the LDS ward of their youth. They were married on October 12, 1962, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They purchased their first and only home in Phoenix where they raised their three children, Denise, Mike and Brian.
Bud was the ultimate “car guy”. He built go carts as a child, was involved in drag racing as a teenager and into his early family life, restored multiple VW bugs for himself, wife and each child as they turned 16. He built multiple dune buggies, sand rails, kit cars, street rods, salt flats race cars and enjoyed working on or around anything with an engine. He was frequently heard saying “the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.”
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thayne and Marian, as well as three siblings, Bob, Marianne and Ralph. He is survived by his wife, Dawn, Denise (Kelly) Kimber, Mike (Wendy) Free, Brian (Jenn) Free, seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at 10AM with a funeral service at 11AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1835 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Thayne Martin
I have the funnest memories of Uncle Bud. Teaching us how to ride a three-wheeler, swimming in the pool with my cousins, always amazed by his hot rods and the talents he gave to his children…this is how I remember him. I always admired his fiery cantankerous spirit but always knew the Baby Dragon was a true softy.
I love you Uncle Bud. You lived an amazing life, you married an incredible woman in Aunt Dawn, you had an amazing family. You lived a full life and the legacy you leave behind in your family and grand children will carry on forever.
To his family, please accept our condolences and know we love you and wish you strength in his passing. I just giggle thinking about him tearing it up in Heaven with Grandpa Free and his siblings.
Jeremy Free
Bud was a really cool guy, he reminded me of grandpa so much. Bud just made things better than grandpa ever did. I remember going into his shop with my dad and he put a lathe on the wheels of my pinewood Derby car. We added some graphite powder and it was a screamer. When my family first moved to Utah,Dawn and Bud gave us an ATV. Most of all I remember my uncle for the amazing cars he built. “Free spirit” I think was the trade name. They were so cool. I remember talking to someone in Utah years ago about their car. I told him that my uncle made cars like that. When he heard”Free Spirit” Ohh they are on a whole other level.
Zola Jensen
I have many fond memories of all of you visiting us each year in Pingree. You were all an important part of our family. I’m sorry he is gone from this earth but glad he is no longer suffering. Love and light to all of you.
Zola
j . chagolla
Mr. Mike Free, my condolences come heart felt for you and yours. I am J. Chagolla i worked with you at Aerostar Machine before they moved. I was the Quality Manager there. I will pray for your father, may he rest in peace.
William(Bill) Lowery
Dawn I am sorry to hear of your loss. Bud and I was in the AirForce Reserve in Illinois back in The spring of 1963.