Ward Henry Bush, 78 of Silsbee passed away August 9, 2006 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Funeral services will be at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1305 Roosevelt Drive, Silsbee, Texas on Saturday, August 12th at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend John Williams officiating. A visitation will be held at Farmer Funeral Home on Friday, August 11th from 5 o’clock p.m. to 8 o’clock p.m.
Ward was born January 5, 1928 in Montgomery, Alabama but spent his growing up years in Childersburg, Alabama. He graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1946 after which he spent two years serving in the U. S. Navy. After his tour of duty, he attended Auburn University.
In 1952 Ward married Nan Perry and started work at Regal Paper Company in Wilmington, North Carolina. He and Nan moved to Silsbee in 1954 where he worked for Eastex Pulp and Paper Company as a bleach plant operator. He retired in 1985 as pulp mill superintendent after 31 years of service.
After retirement, Ward enjoyed golfing, going to his beach cabin, being an active participant in St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he had been a member since coming to Silsbee. He served as Silsbee Municipal Court Judge for 4 years and was an active member of Silsbee Little Theater, appearing in a number of productions. He especially enjoyed fishing with his boys, grandchildren and friends. Ward was an avid sports fan, always supporting his “Tigers”, both Silsbee and Auburn.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nan Bush of Silsbee; son David and wife Lynda of Silsbee, their children, Buddy Bush and wife Ashley of Beaumont and Deanna and husband Robert Withers of Tomball; daughter Mary Nan and husband Allen Holley of Kansas City, Kansas and her sons, Travis and wife Danielle Whitmeyer of Kingwood and Christopher Whitmeyer of San Antonio; son Tim and wife Vickie, and their children, Jamie and Dustin Hanson and son Zack of Pinewood and Shane and Melanie Bush of Graham; son Chris and wife Sharon and children, Kyle, Mack, Caroline and Ellie of Plano.
Also surviving is a sister Louise Bush of New Orleans, brother Jack Bush of Galveston and cousin Louise Horn of Memphis, Tennessee.
Ward was a generous, loving man to his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1305 Roosevelt Drive, Silsbee, Texas 77656.
