Walter "Bud" Koontz, age 67, passed away Monday evening after a 26 year struggle with heart complications. Bud was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served his tour on the U.S.S. Repose during Vietnam. He also worked at Green Thumb Nursery and was known to the locals as "The Hosta Man" in his own backyard greenhouse. He is survived by his three children, Kristen Osborne (John), Elise (Michael Sorg), and Bud Jr; grandchildren, Kolton, Nuge and Felicity; his sister Carol Koontz; stepmother Liola Koontz and four step-brothers and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Sunday at Trinity Gospel Temple at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sharon Lane Memorial VVA Chapter 199; PO Box 21205 Canton, OH 44701.