Brian Duane Bustle Sr.

Brian Duane Bustle Sr., passed away on April 23, 2022. Born in Manatee County on December 5, 1938, he was the son of Mary Lou and Lawrence Elmer Bustle. He was a graduate of Manatee High School class of 1956, and Georgia Tech class of 1960, where he received his degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a Naval Supply Officer, serving two years of active duty and four years reserve. Duane married his high school sweetheart Sally Marcella Whisenant December 22, 1959, and they were married over 62 years.

Duane's first civilian job was as an industrial engineer for the International Paper Co., Moss Point, Mississippi, He first was ordained as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Moss Point, where he served as a leader of Royal Ambassadors. He was President of the Civitan Club. The opportunity to move back to Florida, came six years later, when he accepted the position of Facility Engineer at Honeywell in St. Petersburg. Three years later he realized his dream of returning home to Manatee County as the President of Kee Mfg. Co., a locally owned manufacturer of high wheeled lawnmowers. The business was located just a few blocks from his parents' home in Samoset, and he enjoyed many years of home-cooked lunches with his mom and dad. Duane was active in the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute serving as Board Member, Treasurer, Vice-President and President. This truly was a testament to Duane's wisdom and leadership and a highlight in his career because this organization was comprised of CEO's and executives in outdoor equipment manufacturing that were many times the size of Kee Mfg. Co. He also served his community on the City of Palmetto Planning and Zoning Board, as President of the Manasota Industry Council, and as a weekly columnist as the "North River Sportsman" for The North River News, an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved recounting his many stories and sharing his knowledge with family and friends. When Kee Mfg. Co. was sold to Trailmate in 1987, Duane became Director of Maintenance and Operations for the Manatee County School Board until he retired in 2000.

Duane was a soft spoken, strong Southern gentleman who treasured his family. A devout Christian, he faithfully served First Baptist Church of Palmetto as chairman of the deacons, on many committees, as a teacher and charter member of the Remembrance Sunday school class, and as a mentor to young people and new deacons. His wise counsel was sought

after and he was esteemed by many. Because of all of this he was honored with the Lifetime Deacon designation.

Duane's beloved wife Sally predeceased him by 22 days. He is survived by his children Brian (M'Liss) Bustle, Shelly (Ken) Burton, and Bob Bustle.; grandchildren Ashley (Blake) Miller, Chad (Kelly) Burton, Luke Bustle, Jenna (Ryan) Reid, Chris (Sarah) Bustle, Brooke (Kip) Krieger, James (Cheyenne) Burton, Sierra (Hunter) Brown, Kevin Bustle, Breena Bustle; great grandchildren Kora Setter, Charlie Burton, Layla Reid, Magnolia Bustle, Clinton Reid, Kenna Krieger, Josie Brown, and Kade Krieger; and his brothers Larry (Edie) Bustle and Greg (Mary Beth) Bustle.

A sharing of memories with family and friends will take place at Groover Funeral Home on Saturday, July 2nd at 10am. A private inurnment will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Palmetto, or Palmetto Charter School, 1601 17th ST W, Palmetto, FL 34221. Groover Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.