Mr. Roger L. “Bud” Scalf, 69, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home.
He was born October 2, 1956, in Galesburg, the son of Fred and Margaret “Maggie” (Sward) Scalf. He married Lynn Allen in 1974 in Galesburg. They were married for twenty years and had two sons together.
Bud is survived by two sons, Ryan (and Holly) Scalf of Knoxville, Illinois, and Joshua (and Annie) Scalf of North Carolina; a sister, Barb Howarter of Tennessee; and three grandchildren, Kinley Scalf, Adam Scalf, and Kyah Scalf. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jimmy Scalf, Carroll Scalf, and Jerry Scalf; a sister, Tootie Harshbarger; and his beloved dog, Harley.
Bud graduated from Knoxville High School in 1974. He began his career at Burlington Northern Railroad in 1973 as a hostler. He later served in the United States Army from 1986 to 1991, stationed in Florida and Hawaii, before returning to Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked until his retirement in 2022.
A proud and devoted Chicago Bears fan, Bud enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in his younger years, including a memorable trip to Bike Week in Daytona, Florida, with his best friend, Jack Perez. Above all, Bud cherished time with his family. He rarely missed his sons’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, and he shared a particularly special bond with his grandson, Adam—whether it was over the black Trans Am, wrestling meets, or their annual fireworks trips to Missouri.
As Bud requested, cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel. Military rites will be conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville High School Wrestling Program. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
