Family tractor gives Clay Twp. farmer his last ride
WEST SUNBURY — A local dairy farmer took one last ride on a big green tractor as it transported his casket in a funeral procession Saturday morning.
Earl E. “Bud” Webb, of Clay Township, died June 15, and his family said the tractor procession send-off is one last tribute to his legacy.
The John Deere 4440 took Bud from William F. Young Funeral Home in West Sunbury to a service at Muddy Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church, passing his farm in Clay Township on the way.
“My brothers and I said, ‘this is the last thing we get to do for dad,’” said Earl R. Webb, Bud’s son.
Bud was born in 1934, and was a dairy farmer by the age of 2.
“He was around cattle all his life,” Webb said. “He worked at Pullman Standard until it closed, then had Webb Dairy for the longest time. When he gave it to us we called it E and N Webb Farm, since our parents are Earl and Norma.”
Webb said the 60-cow dairy is still family owned and operated.
The tractor is the last one Webb’s father bought for the farm.
“He and I bought it May 27, 1995, at an auction,” Webb said. “I was in for a certain price and we were up to that limit when dad nudged me and said, ‘It’d be a shame to go home without that tractor. Put in another bid.’ And we got it.”
Webb added that this procession is meaningful in other ways as well.
“If you ask why the tractor is special, my dad taught me how to drive a tractor and plant corn, and I probably wouldn’t be on the farm today if it wasn’t for that,” he said.
Funeral director Korynne Young said this is her first experience having a tractor as part of a procession.
“We had someone who wanted to be transported on a flat bed, because they were a truck driver, back in 2020. My dad said he’s seen some tractors during his time at the funeral home, but for me this is a first,” she said.“ It’s good we get to do this.”
Bud is survived by his wife, Norma; children Erla, Tammy, Kathy, Earl and Jay; as well as grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Webb said his father leaves behind a rich legacy.
“He was a great, family-oriented guy. He was a hard worker, he instilled in us that hard work never hurt anybody, and you can do anything you put your mind to,” he said. “What could I do for him? To do this for him is priceless.”
