Thayne Coulam “Bud” Free

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.