Buddy Leo Ambrosia, of rural Adair County, passed away Wednesday evening, October 16th, at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, following a lengthy illness. He was 69 years old.

The son of Leo P. and Annalu (Erwin) Ambrosia, Buddy was born January 30, 1950, in Kirksville, Missouri. He was educated at Oak Grove and Willmathsville rural schools, Kirksville High School, and Brashear High School, where he graduated in 1968. Buddy was inducted into the United States Army in 1969, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning home, Buddy engaged in raising cattle with his father and brother, and later, his nephew. During this time he also worked at the Edina Livestock Market and Ambrosia Plumbing, until his retirement in 2009.

Buddy was united in marriage to DeAnna Munden from 1972 - 1993 and to this union, one daughter was born.

Buddy was preceded in death by his father Leo in 1994, his mother Annalu in 2007, infant brother Billy Leo in 1946, nephew Brock Baker in 2013, and brother-in-law Charles Baker in 2014.

Buddy is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ann Ambrosia Howard and husband Jim of Columbia, sister Anne Sue Baker of Kirksville, brother Charles Erwin Ambrosia of Willmathsville, granddaughters Gwendolyn Ann, Molly Marie, and Matilda “Tilly” Mae, nephews Brett Baker and Anthony Ambrosia, niece Isabella Ambrosia, and great-nephew and great-niece Will and Mackenzie Baker.

Buddy enjoyed farm life, especially raising cattle. He hunted deer every year, even as his health declined. He also loved fishing, especially showing his granddaughters his favorite fishing holes. He enjoyed the social network of feed stores, the VFW, the local livestock auction, and visiting with other veterans. He cherished his granddaughters and time spent with family and friends. Buddy was a member of VFW Post #4822 of Edina, MO, a life member of the DAV, and he earned the Bronze Star and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Visitation will be held at Travis-Noe Funeral Home on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 6-8 PM. The funeral service will also be at Travis-Noe on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 11:00 AM, with burial and military honors to follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri, at 1:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.