Edward F. “Bud” Alderson, 91, of Sharpsville, Indiana, died Sunday, December 22, 2013.

Alderson was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2004.

Born August 21, 1922, to Dewey and Mabel (Cooper), Alderson grew up taking care of many animals an even showed draft horses in 4-H. He graduated from Prairie Township High School in 1940, which was the same year he bought his first Quarter Horse and sported a reputation as a match-race jockey, Roman rider, all-around cowboy and could sit an English saddle for jumping.

Alderson married Madonna Quakenbush on April 17, 1949, and the couple had two children – Janelle and Randy – and ran a successful Quarter Horse breeding operation for more than 50 years.

Alderson judged for 45 years throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. His credits include officiating at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the AQHA and AQHYA world championship shows. He was later appointed to the committee that developed AQHA’s amateur division in 1985. He served as the first amateur committee chairman and helped implement AQHA’s hunter under saddle class. Alderson became an AQHA honorary vice president in 1986, and received AQHA’s 50-year breeder award in 2003.

Alderson’s contribution to the American Quarter Horse industry went beyond serving on AQHA committees. He and his wife organized dozens of clinics, giving both youth and adults a chance to gain more knowledge and enjoyment of their horses. they also hosted countless 4-H clinics and college judging teams.

Alderson helped establish the Indiana Quarter Horse Futurity and the Indiana Quarter Horse Association in 1955, and was the past president of the IQHA. In 1988, he was inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame at Purdue University.

Alderson became an AQHA judge in 1961. Determined to have an input in the Association he was appointed to the show and contest committee, holding one of the longest seats on an AQHA committee – 24 years.

Bud Alderson is survived by his wife, Madonna; children, Janellle and husband Wallace Gray, and Randy and wife Chris Alderson; and grandchildren, Brian and Katie Gray, Katie and Chris Kelly, Andrew Alderson, and Aaron Alderson; and great-granddaughter Evelyn Gray.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013, at Liberty Baptist Church, 3530 South 1000, Groomsville, Indiana, with Pastor Ruth Lawson. Burial will follow at Groomsville Cemetery.  The visitation will be held at the church from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 26.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a donation be made in memory of
Bud Alderson to the American Quarter Horse Foundation.  Donations can be sent
to: American Quarter Horse Foundation, PO Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 72120-2111. Online condolences may be left at www.stoutandson.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with Stout & Son Funeral Home.