Wilmer Bush

Wilmer "Bill" Joseph Bush
February 12, 1930 - March 13, 2025

Wilmer "Bill" Joseph Bush passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of March 13, 2025. Born on February 12, 1930, in Pomonkey, Maryland to George Curry Bush and Agnes Violet (Penny) Bush, Bill was raised alongside his twelve siblings.

Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 24, 1947, where he served until 1953. Attaining the rank of Sergeant, he earned both the Occupation Medal (Japan), and the Korean Service Medal.

Later in 1953, Bill married Edra Marsh, and soon after they began raising their family. Together they had nine children; three boys and six girls: Trent Bush, Carol (Bush) Evans, Susan (Bush) Skurdahl, Wayne Bush, Donna (Bush) Fairgrieve, Laura (Bush) Manari, Allen Bush, Diane Bush, and Karen (Bush) Baumgartner. His legacy continues through his children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom survive him, as well as 2 sisters, Elvie Bush and Joyce Brown.

Bill earned his Master's degree in Business Accounting from Southeastern University. His degree gave him the foundation of a career in accounting. In 1959, he relocated his growing family from the East Coast to Portland, Oregon, where they put down roots that would continue for generations.

Bill's faith was a cornerstone in his life. He was an active member of the Catholic Church wherever he lived. He played an instrumental role in the building of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Gresham, Oregon.

After moving to Oregon, Bill became an avid rockhound and spent many days searching for Oregon thunder eggs in the fields by John Day. Later, when he and his family lived on the Oregon coast, he enjoyed agate hunting on the beach. Often he would load up some of his kids in his old "beach car" and head down to the sand after a storm, as this was prime agate finding time.

In the 1970's antiques and collectibles became his passion. Many weekends were spent perusing antique markets and auctions. He restored many pieces of antique furniture, and often gifted these pieces to his children.

In his later years, Bill moved to Lowell, Oregon. Here he enjoyed his daily walks to the covered bridge and back, as well as walks around Dexter Reservoir. He became an active member of St. Henry's Catholic Church in nearby Dexter and spoke often of the wonderful people he came to be a part of there.

In his last years, Bill resided at Junction City Retirement Center in Junction City, Oregon, where he developed many close friendships. Upon his passing they wrote: "Wilmer "Bill" Bush, A man with a heart as big as the sky. Bill was more than just a member of our community - he was a beloved friend, a man of deep faith, and a shining example of kindness and compassion ".

Bill's funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, 11 o'clock am at St. Henry's Catholic Church, in Dexter, Oregon.