Donald L. Bush Jr.

Don was born on October 22nd, 1945 in Augusta, Maine. As a young child, with his father being a Veterinarian for the U.S Government, his family moved around the world. Some of those locations being Japan, Ethiopia, Cuba, Uruguay, and Haiti. When returning to the States, he graduated from Honey Creek High School, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. In 1969, he was part of the Honor Guard that escorted President Eisenhauer’s body from the train station to his final burial place in Abilene, Kansas. While in the Air Force, he met his first wife, Margaret and they raised three children in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Don started a career in the trucking industry in 1972, and this is where he worked as a trailer mechanic and painted semi-trucks. After working this job, he then became a long-haul furniture mover. Wanting to be closer to home, he became a mechanic and an attendant at a local gas station where he met his soulmate, Deb. Deb told her friend that she knew instantly that she was "going to marry this man" if he was single. He was and they eloped eight weeks later in 1990 and were united in marriage for thirty-five years. Their song was Moon River and they sang it to each other every night before going to sleep.

Don and Deb were involved in various ministry programs including serving at local soup kitchens. Don’s favorite holiday was Christmas, so they also enjoyed taking treat bags and toys to the Matt Talbot Kitchen and the People’s City Mission. Every year, he would look at the “Angel” Trees around town for kids that wanted a bicycle. The first Christmas after 911, Don was working at a toll booth at the Airport. He dressed up like Santa to keep the Christmas spirit going among his customers and co-workers which landed his picture and a story in the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper.

Don was also remembered as a wonderful singer and being a reader at church. He enjoyed building and customizing model cars, airplanes and trains. He also enjoyed camping, his boats, cook outs, movies (all genres) and is fondly remembered for naming all of the characters in his movies and shows. Deb remembers Don's famous potato salad, stating that it was "the best ever" according to everyone that tasted it. He loved his black cat, Shadow who served as a fun companion for him.

Don is survived by; his wife, Deborah (Deb) of Lincoln, Nebraska; his son, Shane (Melissa) Bush of Lincoln, Nebraska; his daughter, Nicole (Russell) Othling of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughter, Reanna Othling of Lincoln, Nebraska; his three sisters, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by; his parents Donald L. Bush Sr. (Phyllis), and his son Donald L. Bush III.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Don Bush’s Family at Lincoln Memorial. Gifts will be distributed to organizations providing toys for children and the food ministries that he supported. You may also donate to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday September 20, 2025 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512 followed by a graveside service at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery. Guests are welcome to dress casual and invited to a BBQ after the service at Spirit of Hope ELCA, 5801 NW 1st St., Lincoln, NE 68521.