Russell L. Bush St. Joseph News-Press April 23, 2014 Child of our heavenly Father, beloved husband, cherished father and so much loved by grand and great-grandchildren was Russell "Colonel" Bush, 92, of St. Joseph, who completed his journey, Saturday, April 12, 2014 to enter into the loving promises of our heavenly Father through the gracious gift of our dear Savior, Christ Jesus. Russell was bron on October 31, 1921 in Medora, Indiana, to William A. and Nellie P. (Booker) Bush. He married Isabel Charles Paulman on August 18, 1957 in St. Joseph. She survives of the home. Russell served in the United States Army Air Corps as a sergeant during World War II. Russ was with Swift until they closed. He then worked with his dear friend, Ralph Dougherty and three sons (Curtie, Dougie and Scotty B.) at St. Joseph Waterproofing. The family became involved in real estate and Russ was in high demand by St. Joseph realtors as a contrator for inspections and repairs of their listings. His long-term tenants of his own rentals could attest the excellent care he gave to their needs and to the properties. He graduated from Kansas City Auction School and that was probably the most fun job of all. The entire family was involved and we had such fun. Russell was a member of Woodson Chapel Christian Church and the Wednesday Bible study group; Missouri Valley Gen and Mineral Club; Hiawatha, Kan. Gem and Mineral Club; former very active member of Marvin McMurray Church; Scoutmaster Troop 29 for four and one half years; Explorer Advisor for three years; District Explorer Advisor for two years; Institutional Representative; and member of Mic-O-Say, Honorary Warrior (Big Spotted Butterfly). So many gifts given - he was part owner of Beverly Speedway; built stock cars with friends; managed Whitson Realty's apartments; remodeled his own home; loved woodworking; helped many learn to ski behind "The Randolph"; became a "rock hound"; did beautiful lapidary and silversmith work selling it through Gem Jewels by Bush and then there was the travel on blue-line highways, mountains, oceans, deserts and little-known places with family and friends, camping and realizing the beauty of our Father had given us. Our Father touched the life of Russ and gave him the gift of leadership for the scouting program. Russ had Troop 29 and led them from the Scouts through the Explorer program. He simply loved working with and teaching them leadership, responsibility, personal self-esteem, survival skills in the out-of-doors, working to attain goals, making their costumes from leather and feathers and giving back to the community by giving first-aid demonstrations and not to be forgotten, the Mic-O-Say dance team. One of the highlights was when the scouts had to pass all swimming and first-aid requirements; learn how to build a very large raft and manage it on the river; provide shelter and food on it. The raft entered the Missouri River at Rulo, Nebraska, creating never-to-be forgotten memories for the leaders and scouts, and docked at The St. Josph Yacht Club two days later. After Vietnam War ended one night around midnight there was such a commotion outside (they were running around the house wrapping it in toilet papter) and then loud laughter and heavy knocks on the front door. Carefully opening the door, we saw on our porch Troop29 scouts/war veterans asking, "Mr. Bush, may we come in?" They expressed such gratitude for scouting memories that helped them withstand the misery of the war and how much Troop 29 meant to them. For years and years when these men came to town they came to see "Mr. Bush." Russ lived to see his son Kirby ad both of Kirby's sons become Eagles and Mic-O-Say members. Kirby became very involved as a leader, camp director and member of the Council. Russ could not have been more pleased. The many friends Russ made with his favorite servers for "Black Mountain" (coffee) and a tap on his cup asking for a refill made him feel special and always put a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. Thank you girls! With profound thanks we recognize Angels in Home Care, Shepherd's House and Hands of Hope Hospice-Angels for getting him "back on his feet" many times since August 2012, Deanna Shepherd who gave such comfort the last week and one-half and Hands of Hope Hospice for their compassion during the transition. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; two sister; and first wife, Lucille Wells Bush in 1956. Additional surviving family includes daughter Suellen (Jim) Louden; son Kirby I. (Janice) Paulman; six grandchildren, Kemberly (Chris) Mills, Bruce Paulman, Will (Rachel) Paulman, Lisa (Kevin) Myers, Kristie Louden and Sherri (Joe) Elfred; nine great-grandchildren, Ethan, Riley, Leah, Ella, Julia, Noah, Emma, Lisa and Joel; two sister; One sister-in=law; special niece and nephew, Jim and Diana Maag; and loved nieces and nephews of his brother and sisters. Memorial service; 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at Woodson Chapel Christian Church under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. The family will receive one hour prior to the service on Friday at Woodson Chapel Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, Russell requested memorial contribution be to the Woodson Chapel Christian Church, 2525 St. Joseph Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64505 or Boy Scouts of America, Mic-O-Say, Dog Soldier Fund, 1704 Buckingham, St. Joseph, MO 64506.