Ralph Albert Bush Jr., 76, of Dixon, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
He was born June 4, 1947, to Ralph Albert and Rosamond (Amerman) Bush Sr., in Cortland, N.Y.
He served in the U.S. Army as a construction equipment repairer, engineering equipment mechanic, track vehicle mechanic, and diesel mechanic. Retiring after 22 years of service, as a Sergent First Class of selfless and dedicated service to his country during the Vietnam Era.
Ralph was united in marriage to Denise Ann Jost, Feb. 13, 1982, at Fort Leonard Wood.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, Ralph continued his career with Arby’s restaurant chain for 25 years, starting as the district manager and then taking over as the general manager of the St. Robert Arby’s and then with Walmart for 5 years, as a stocker. He was a member of the Pulaski County Memorial Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 4238, Dixon, American Legion Post 298, Dixon, and a strong supporter of the highway patrol.
He was preceded in death by parents, Ralph Sr. and Rosamond; daughter, Elizabeth Patterson; and son, Steven Atwood.
Ralph is survived by wife, Denise of the home in Dixon; children, Scott Atwood of Springfield, Gina Finstrom (John Reisenbuchler) of Elgin, Ill., Margie Lusk of St. Robert, Tim Atwood (Christina) of Magnolia, Del., Deana Cox (James) of Rolla, Dori Adkinson (James) of New Braunfels, Texas, and Tara Ayers (Chris) of Rolla; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, William “Bill” Bush of King Mountain, N.C.; and sisters, Joyce Anci of New Port Richey, Fla., and Patricia Cleverly (Bob) of Sterling, Ky.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. –12 p.m., in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home Chapel, Dixon, followed by his inurnment with full military honors at 2 p.m., in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville.
Memorials suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon.
