G. D. "Gene" Bush

1933 ∼ 2016

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G. D. “Gene” Bush, age 83, died peacefully on May 14, 2016 at his home in Beaumont, Texas surrounded by his family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. also at Claybar Funeral Home. Burial in his hometown of Whitewright, Texas will take place Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Gene was born May 10, 1933 in the North Texas farming community of Whitewright to William Vaden and Emma Evaline (Donihoo) Bush.

Gene grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Whitewright High School in 1950.

He moved to Washington, D. C. and eventually became a courier for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). One of his proudest moments was meeting and shaking hands with head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover.

Later, Gene worked for the General Electric Corp. for 20 years as a regional representative covering several states. Locating permanently in Beaumont, he raised a family and eventually became involved in the Funeral Pre-Planning profession.

Among Gene’s favorite pastimes was attending the Saturday morning coffee club he organized years previously at Rao’s Bakery on Dowlen Road in Beaumont, Various VIPs dropped in from time to time to visit and kibitz with Gene and his regulars. A good time was always had by all as world problems were solved, or at least ironed out for another week.

Gene loved his chosen hometown of Beaumont and served on many boards and in many capacities in his effort to improve the community. For many years Gene served on the Beaumont Crime Stoppers and was a current member of the Beaumont Police Advisory Board. He also served as a board member for Girls Haven. Gene was an Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy.

Always a fun-loving guy, Gene was the originator of cook-off competitions when he started the Gene Bush Chili Cook-Off competitions in Beaumont during the 1970s.

Last but not least, if you were Gene Bush’s friend, you remained a friend no matter what.

Predeceased by his parents, Gene is survived by his daughter, Teresa Ann Barker and her husband, Spencer, of Columbia, South Carolina; sons, Michael G. Bush and his wife, Tammy of Buna, Texas and John D. Bush and his wife, Charlotte, of Magnolia Springs, Texas; grandchildren, Sommer Streett and her husband, Chris, Joseph Barker and Cory Bush; great-grandchildren, Amiyah Bush and Isabella Streett; sister, Phyllis Carol Bush Taylor, brother-in-law, Dale Taylor, his beloved dog Sophie and many longtime friends.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Gene may be made to Girls Haven, 3380 Fannin Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Condolences

Anonymous May 18, 2016

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of G. D. "Gene" Bush.

Anonymous May 18, 2016

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of G. D. "Gene" Bush.

Miriam C. Nichol May 17, 2016

Gene was a friend who was alway had a smile.

Pat Anderson May 17, 2016

Gene was a true friend and helped so many people, especially if they were running for an office and knowing that they would make a difference in our community, that he loved so much. He was a encourager that would always make your day. He started the coffee club at Rao's and we always had a big crowd discussing a little of everything. Gene will surely be missed but I say again he will always be in our hearts. We'll miss the Admiral, my hero. Pat Anderson

Anonymous May 17, 2016

Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of G. D. "Gene" Bush.

Tom Leicht May 17, 2016

Gene was a good friend and a member of the MKT BSK Coffee Group. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

Donna Nolen May 17, 2016

Sending heartfelt condolences at this time . I had many conversations and heard many stories from my dad, Don Unruh about his friend Gene. The void never leaves when they're gone but the memories you get to keep forever. Prayers for comfort. Donna Nolen

Claybar Funeral Home May 17, 2016

57 files added to the album LifeTributes

Claude Guidroz May 16, 2016

Gene was one of the first people to call me after my election to as City Council Ward 1 representative. He asked me to meet him at Rao's and immediately requested that I keep him on the Police Advisory Board. Although he had been appointed by my predicessor, I could recognize his love for Beaumont and his great desire to make a positive contribution. He was one of my finest, most dedicated appointees and I will miss those chats on Saturday morning a Rao's. In honor of his memory, Ruthie and I have contacted the Chief about making a contribution to the fund for families of fallen officers and I just know that would bring a smile to Gene's face if others did also. We pray for the family and we share in their sorrow and loss. Ruthie and Claude Guidroz

Lynda Bauer May 15, 2016

Lynda Bauer purchased the Blooming Garden Basket for the family of G. D. "Gene" Bush.

Sandy Dedushaj May 15, 2016

Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers go out to the Family

Charles Bush May 15, 2016

Well, hard to believe that he is really gone. Seems like it's always the good guys. Gene and I were cousins, and good friends in our later years. Our family situations were such that we really didn't know each other until later in life, mainly after we started attending some family reunions organized by our other cousins Nancy and Jane. I wish I had known him earlier and for a longer time, and that we hadn't lived so far apart so we might have visited more. He was a unique individual and will be sorely missed by both friends and family. RIP cuz, and Godspeed.

Richard And Beverly Harrel May 15, 2016

Our neighbor Gene Bush was our close family friend and neighbor for more than 50 years. His family and ours had many fun times together when all our kids were young. He was like a Dutch uncle to my 3 children and they loved him like an uncle. Gene had a good heart and he was a giving person not only of his time and money but with his ability to come through during a rough time. When our family was shaken to the core with the untimely death of our daughter Kellie, Gene was right there. He made sure that all our friends and neighbors were informed. He and my husband were like brothers, Richard loved Gene and Gene loved to aggravate Richard about how much time professors had off and why Richard could get lost so easily in town. They did not fuss they just enjoyed debate and seeing who could get the best of the other. They were true friends. Gene was blessed with the gift of gab, he could talk about anything and really kept up with our city and our politics. Those things were good attribute to leave as a legacy but the most important legacy Gene will leave is the love his children have shown him through this horrific illness. One or all were with him everyday, taking care of him and his needs. We should all be so lucky to have children that care as his do and have during this time of need. We will miss you REVEREND BUSH, that is another story all together. Rest in Peace knowing you led a good and productive life. Beverly and Richard Harrel

Charles Bush May 15, 2016

1 file added to the album Cousins

Lynda Rivers Bauer (First Cousin) May 15, 2016

1 file added to the album New Album Name

Nancy S Shirley May 15, 2016

My oh my...my cousin Gene Darwyn was always the entertainment of our Bush family gatherings. I might add, he was the apple of my late father's eye also. They were so much alike in many ways. Gene will be sorely missed by all of us. He was a good, honest, and funny man. He joins many of his Bush family members in Heaven and I just know that they are already welcoming him with open arms and are no doubt probably already in deep conversation getting caught up. Rest in peace Gene D. and may your family you left behind cling to the memories and never forget you! Cuzzin Nancy Bush Shirley