By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Music was Bud E. Scholl's life.

And so were his family, his businesses and his community.

The World War II veteran was a drummer in the military. After he was discharged, he played with members of his family in the Greenhills American Legion marching band.

The former owner of Bud Scholl's Barber Shop in College Hill died Thursday of bladder cancer at Mount Healthy Christian Home. The Springfield Township resident was 82.

"He loved everybody, and he was comfortable everywhere. ... I've seen him play in tuxedos, marching band uniforms, and lederhosen," said his son, Mike Scholl of Fairfield, who was a drummer in the Army Reserve.

Mike Scholl's two daughters and son played alongside their grandfather in the Greenhills American Legion band, as did Mr. Scholl's son-in-law, son and daughter.

Raised in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Mr. Scholl graduated from Mount Healthy High School in 1939 and served in World War II, where he played drums in the Army's 88th Division band.

Stationed in North Africa and Italy, the band members also served as military police. Mr. Scholl was a tech sergeant.

Four generations of the family have played in the military band.

Mr. Scholl was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Mount Healthy to work with his father at the family's painting and wallpapering business, Scholl's Decorators. In 1951, he opened Bud Scholl's Barber Shop in College Hill, a business he ran until it closed in 1972.

He also played drums with the Cecil Young Orchestra, often playing four or five shows a week with the 13-piece big band.

He worked with the ensemble from 1946 to New Years Day 1980, missing only one gig when his daughter married.

Mr. Scholl also played with the German Sauerkraut Band in Dayton, the Oola Kahn Grotto Band, and the Syrian Shrine Band.

Less recognizable but just as revered in the role of Santa Claus, Mr. Scholl donned a red suit and white beard each Christmas for schools in Mount Healthy, Fairfield and the Northwest School District.

Mr. Scholl was president of the College Hill Business Association for 20 years. He was a member of the McMakin Lodge No. 120, the Scottish Rite and the Syrian Shrine.

A sister, Mary Scholl, preceded him in death.

In addition to his son, other survivors include his wife of 58 years, Tommie J. Scholl of Springfield Township; a daughter, Leslie Stoetling of Pleasant Run Farms; a sister, Margaret Grill of Mesa, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy.

Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Mount Healthy.

Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Burns Institute, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com