Michael Dennis Bussell

Michael D. Bussell passed away on May 9, 2023 at home in Dallas, Texas. He will forever be remembered as a loving father and husband, and devoted friend to all who knew and loved him. Mike was born on August 28, 1958 in Dallas, Texas. A lifelong Dallasite, he met his future wife and best friend, Rita, in a DISD first-grade classroom. Mike and Rita enjoyed a more than 42-year marriage and created a beautiful family with their two daughters, Kristin and Meredith. “His girls” will forever miss their selfless spouse and “Daddle” whose love and support knew no limits.

Mike attended the University of Texas at Austin where he became a loud and proud Longhorn. Anyone who knew him knows that his attire reflected his passions: when Mike wasn’t donning burnt orange or a shirt from one of his girls, he was wearing Victory Green—Go Stars! Many knew him through his career in insurance, and many more through his active participation on various councils and boards throughout the years at St. Patrick Catholic School and Parish and Ursuline Academy. Mike loved to be involved in the community and make new friends wherever the slightest opportunity arose. He and Rita jointly volunteered with CASA and he coached or assisted with practically all of his daughters’ sports teams. He volunteered for many years with the Lake Highlands Soccer Association through which he became involved with the Dallas Cup, hosting referees from around the world in his home, in particular some crazy Scottish referees who became forever friends. But perhaps his most favorite role was that of grandfather to his granddaughter Beckley, to whom he was known as “Boom” (yes, it’s partially a flatulence joke).

Mike is survived by many who love him including his wife, Rita Bussell; daughter Kristin Bussell Newby, son-in-law Jamison Newby, and granddaughter Beckley; daughter Meredith Bussell and John Alongi; parents Jill and Phill Bussell; two brothers and their families; cousin Bryan Thompson, wife Leslie, and their family; beloved family friends Jim and Anne Schermerhorn and the families of their children, Katie Schermerhorn O’Brien and Elliott Schermerhorn; and many more cherished friends and family.

Pallbearers: Jamison Newby, John Alongi, Jim Schermerhorn, Elliott Schermerhorn, Patrick O'Brien, Marcus Marshall, Allen Gehrki, Tom Rapp

Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. (rosary at 6 p.m.) on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023 at St. Monica Catholic Church of Dallas. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation in honor of Mike’s granddaughter, Beckley Newby.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Bussell family.