Charles W. &#8220Bud” Tacke Jr., founding Scoutmaster of Vicksburg’s Boy Scout Troop 7, died Thursday at his home at Heritage House. He was 98.

&#8220There will never be another” said Greg Evans, now leader of Troop 7, who was a member of the troop during the 50 years &#8220Mr. Bud” was its leader.

Mr. Tacke was a native of St. Louis and came to Vicksburg in 1928 as an employee of the federal government’s Works Progress Administration. He soon became an employee of the Anderson-Tully Co. and retired from there as purchasing agent in 1974 with 45 years of service.

Mr. Tacke had become a Scout in his hometown at age 12 and achieved the highest rank, Eagle. Not long after he arrived in Vicksburg, he became a leader of Troop 3, sponsored by the Vicksburg Council 898 Knights of Columbus. When it became too large, Troop 7, also sponsored by the council, was organized with Mr. Tacke as Scoutmaster. He served in that role from 1934 until 1984.

&#8220He truly was a good man,” said Vincent DiRago, a native of Vicksburg now living in Madison, Ala. &#8220He shared his character. He shared his good character and his indomitable can-do attitude.”

Estimates were that Mr. Tacke’s family shared his time with more than 2,000 members of Troop 7 during his tenure.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Frances G. &#8220Sis” Tacke and Jean S. Tacke as well as his parents, Charles William Tacke Sr. and Emma Schenk Tacke; four sisters, Elsie Morgan, Florence Kreyling, Edith Broch and Olivette Tacke, and three brothers, Percy Tacke, Ralph Tacke and Leslie Tacke.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary Annelle Tacke of Jackson and Terri T. Henk of Schenectady, N.Y.; two stepsons, Wayne Randoll of Dallas and Ross Randoll of Placerville, Calif.; four granddaughters, two grandsons, six great-granddaughters and nieces and nephews.

As a Scout, Mr. Tacke was also a member of the Order of the Arrow, had received the Scout Master Key and was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award a Scoutmaster can achieve at the council level. He also received the St. George Medal, the highest Scouting leadership for Scout leaders who are members of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Tacke attended St. Paul Catholic Church and St. Mary Catholic Church.

At a 2004 event, marking the 70th anniversary of Troop 7, one of the speakers was Joseph &#8220Joey” DiRago, now living in San Antonio, Texas. &#8220He was bigger than life,” Joey DiRago said of Mr. Tacke. He recalled a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

&#8220We hiked more than 80 miles at altitudes from 6,000 feet to 12,441 feet,” DiRago said.

Mr. Tacke, at age 62, carried his own 35-to-40-pound pack alongside the Scouts. &#8220We were dead at the end of the day,” he said, adding that Mr. Tacke still had considerable energy.

Mr. Tacke was succeeded at the helm of Troop 7 by John A. Nassour, who had also been a Scout under Mr. Tacke. &#8220He was like a father to me,” Nassour recalled. &#8220He was the epitome of the Boy Scout.”

Vicksburg resident William A. &#8220Bill” Ford agreed that Mr. Tacke’s legacy will live.

&#8220When we went out to camp as 11-year-olds we didn’t have any confidence in what we could do. He taught us we could do anything,” Ford said.

Mr. Tacke was also a past president of the Warren County Humane Society and was active with the American Cancer Society.

Service times will be announced by Riles Funeral Home.