MOHAWK - Paul F. "Bud" Werthman, 76, of Bushnell Street, entered into eternal rest Monday afternoon, Sept. 13, 2004, in his home. He was born May 20, 1928, in the town of Columbia, son of the late Henry and Emily Hall Werthman. A lifelong area resident, he was raised on the family farm in Columbia and was educated in Columbia and Mohawk. An honorably discharged World War II veteran, he enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard in March 1946. He served aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis and had crossed the Arctic Circle during his tour.On Dec. 16, 1949, he married the former Yotta Panarites in Schuyler. They made their home in Ilion until 1987, when they moved to Mohawk. From 1950 until 1967, Bud worked as a supervisor for the Bendix Corp. in Utica. He then started his own building contracting business, and in 1976 opened Werthman's Hardware Store in Ilion. He operated the hardware business until his retirement in 1994. From 1994 until 2002, he helped his son Brian in his hardware store in Little Falls.He had a strong belief in God and was a member of the Ilion United Methodist Church. All who knew him will remember his warm smile, friendly manner and a sincere willingness to help others. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his family.Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Yotta; two sons, Paul H. and his wife Susan Werthman of Boston, N.Y., and Brian Werthman of Little Falls; two daughters, Sandra Werthman of Phoenix, Ariz., and Kathleen Eagles of Seattle, Wash.; three brothers, Burton Werthman of Middleville, John and his wife Kay Werthman of New Hartford and Joseph Werthman of Aurora, Colo.; two sisters, Lois Ruffalo of Herkimer and Betty Jones of Amsterdam; five grandchildren, Scott and Jason Kerr, Kristen Werthman, Amanda Werthman and Paul Werthman III; a special friend, Mack Copper; many nieces, nephews and cousins.Besides his parents, a brother, Richard Werthman and two sisters, Helen Dzmrowitz and Emily Werthman, preceded him in death.Funeral service will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Rev. Robert C. Wollaber, pastor of the Ilion United Methodist Church, will officiate. Mr. Werthman will be laid to rest with military honors in Oak Hill Cemetery.The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday (today) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.Expressions of sympathy may be made with donations to the Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., New Hartford. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.