Floyd C. Scarlett, Jr.

Floyd C. “Bud” Scarlett, Jr., age 95, of Madison, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2013 at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana. Born August 15, 1918 in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of Floyd C., Sr. and Margaret (McGinley) Scarlett, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen L. (Nay) Scarlett on April 11, 1999. Bud attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and later took a job with the Crown Laundry as a pick-up delivery driver. It was during this time that a co-worker, Mr. Oscar Bryant, introduced him to his sister-in-law Miss Helen Nay. Helen was a country girl from eastern Jefferson County, Indiana who traveled to the “big city” to find employment. They “hit it off” so to speak, and were united in the bonds of matrimony on June 15, 1940. In April of 1943 Bud, following in his father’s footsteps, was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Indianapolis’ Centre Lodge #23. His Masonic career would continue as time allowed. Demitting from Centre Lodge, he became an active member of Bennington Lodge #257 which was located near his new found home. His Masonic history saw him serving through the lodge offices in Bennington Lodge and retiring as Past Master of that Lodge. He and Helen joined and became active members in Bennington Chapter #407 of the Order of Eastern Star, there serving in the position that brought them to the ranks of Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron. In 1956, Bud took the job of “Police Officer” for the City of Madison, retiring in 1976 at the rank of Captain. After the police force, he went on to serve as Investigator for the Jefferson County Prosecutor. Living in town, prompted Bud to again demit from the Masonic Lodge where he had been a member for many years. This time he transferred to Union Lodge #2 in Madison. In 1964 he furthered his Masonic education becoming a 32nd degree mason as a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. Soon after this he joined the Murat Shrine, also in Indianapolis. In 1993, Bud received his “Award of Gold”, his lapel pin for being a Mason for 50 years. At his death, he had been a member for more than 70 years. Bud was raised a Baptist and continually moved his church membership each time he relocated until November 2010 then he decided to move into the Indiana Masonic Home. From that time, he maintained membership in the First Baptist Church where he and Helen had attended regularly until her death in 1999. Survivors include his daughter, Judy Briner and her husband, Bill of Madison; his granddaughter, Tanya Besse of Madison; his great-grandson, Hunter Keeton; several great and great-great nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Deanie (Nay) Bryant. Fraternal Order of Police will conduct services at 7:00 pm Friday, December 13, 2013 at the Vail Funeral Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, followed by a Masonic service conducted by the Union Lodge #2. A private family interment will be Saturday at Grandview Memorial Gardens Family and friends may call at the Vail Funeral Chapel, 117 Holt Drive from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the F.O.P. Shop with a Cop program. Contribution cards will be available at the Vail Funeral Chapel.