Richard Dick Bush

F. Richard “Dick” Bush, 82, filled a variety of roles in his life. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, the middle child of Charles and Thelma Bush, and attended Argentine High School. He volunteered for the Navy at age 17, serving as a signalman in World War II. With his father, he founded the family business, spending over 50 years behind the counter and machinery of Bush Plating Co. Married in 1952 to Virginia Sue “Suzi” Harper, he became the father of three children, and fulfilled one of many personal dreams by owning a farm outside Paola, Kansas. He was a Presbyterian elder, an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, a friend and caring neighbor to many.

Richard was quick to laugh or share a story and he made friends wherever he went. He was at home in work clothes and suits, and was as comfortable at a livestock sale as he was at the Kansas City Symphony. His neighbors and fellow volunteers valued him because he was the first to ask how he can help yet the last to insist on his own way. His family and friends loved him for his quiet devotion, easy demeanor and ever present smile. He was a true caregiver to everyone in his life. Devoted to his wife and family, he will be missed yet lovingly remembered for his work ethic, generosity, integrity and faith.

A short battle with cancer ended his physical life on May 29, 2010. The rich story of his entire life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2010, held at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas. Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri on Wednesday, June 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Richard’s surviving family includes his wife, Suzi; his children, Rick (Barbara) Bush, Randy (Beth) Bush, and Amy (Jim) Cramer; his sisters, Dolores McClanahan and Diane (Gorman) Ayers; his nine grandchildren, two nieces, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be sent to Village Presbyterian Church for their Habitat for Humanity program. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.