Henry Cowden Saddler

Henry Cowden "Buster" Saddler, 90, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Bothwell Regional Health Center. He was born on October 4, 1934, in Castlewood, VA, the son of Henry W. Saddler and Agnes E. (Hall) Saddler, who preceded him in death.

On September 2, 1961, in Sedalia, MO, Buster married the love of his life, Rosann Behrens. They shared 62 years together until her passing on February 17, 2024, which means he managed to survive just long enough to get the last word in - something Rosann probably isn't too happy about in heaven.

Buster proudly graduated from Cradock High School in Portsmouth, VA, Class of 1954, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country with honor for 21 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1977. His military service took him from Arkansas to Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, back to Arkansas, and twice to Vietnam. In other words, if the Air Force needed something fixed, they sent Hank.

After his service, he continued a life of hard work - first at the Missouri State Parks Service at Bothwell Lodge and later as superintendent of maintenance at State Fair Community College, where he retired in 1999.

Henry had a gift for fixing, building, and tinkering with just about anything. He enjoyed woodworking, rock polishing, and recycling, though "enjoyed" might really mean he couldn't stand to see anything go to waste. He especially loved riding his Yazoo lawn mower. If the grass was already short, he might mow it again just to take the Yazoo for a spin.

Henry leaves behind four children who inherited his wit and stubborn streak: James Dean Saddler of Kansas City, MO; Nanette Kiesel and husband Michael of Spring Hill, KS; Ronald G. Imhauser and wife Judy of Sedalia; and Janice Trautmann of Sedalia. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Clint, Chris, Amy, Michelle, Nick, and Joe, five great-grandchildren, a sister Lou Ann (Phoebe) Allison, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Rosann, his brother James Dean Saddler, and three sisters, Betty Hall, Ibbie Lee Brown, and Mary Sandy Vincent; and a daughter, Pamela (Imhauser) Martin.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Calvary Cemetery, Sedalia, MO, with Father Joe Corel officiating. Full military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO, conducted by the United States Air Force.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri State Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Henry lived a long, full life, one filled with service, family, and more than a few trips around the yard on the Yazoo. His family is confident that heaven's maintenance department is already running more smoothly since his arrival.