- Date Of Birth: October 27, 1922
- Date Of Death: March 11, 2012
- State: Michigan
Francis “Frank” Bush died peacefully at his home in Midland on March 11, 2012. Frank was born on October 27, 1922 in St. Louis, MI, the only child of Claire and Naomi Bush. He grew up on the small farm of his beloved grandparents, Oscar and Etta Scott.
Frank was an active young man who experienced oil rigging, fast cars, farming, pretty girls and even Bible College until duty called. He was a bombardier on a B-17 during WWII in the 8th USAF, 96th Bomber Group until his plane was shot down near the Austrian border. His bomber crew and other USAF servicemen were life-long friends.
Frank settled down a bit when he met, wooed and wed Opal “Janet” Lunsford in Fulkston, GA on Feb. 8, 1948. They traveled throughout the USA when Frank was called back to service during the Korean conflict then settled in Midland in the early 1950’s. There they raised four children and enjoyed a friend-filled life full of poker and bridge clubs, BBQ parties, big holiday gatherings and family vacations. Janet preceded Frank in death on June 8, 1975.
Frank was a calm but fun-loving guy and his humor & practicality were assets in a career in automobile sales, 22 years as a Metropolitan Life agent, back into car sales and finally a position as a financial analyst at First of Michigan. He loved people and volunteered at Senior Services after his retirement and coninued his passion for ham radio.
Frank’s energy and enthusiasm followed him into his marriage to Rosie Champine in August, 1977. He enjoyed being a father to her four children and he and Rosie had many fun adventures in the ‘great outdoors’ & with their many friends through their 24 years together.
Frank’s smile stayed with him through a few of life’s inevitable setbacks. His later years were enriched immeasurably through his loving relationship with Lois Lunsford. Her boundless enthusiasm for life & robust family helped round out and fill Frank’s days. They traveled like kids at heart across the USA to family reunions, weddings and 96th Bomber Group meetings.
Frank’s family and friends will forever miss his warm smile, wit and steady hand. He was our hero. His family thanks all the wonderful people at Brookdale Sterling House and Mid-Michigan Hospice.
Frank is survived by his four children, Bradford Bush, Stuart (Bobbi) Bush, Brian Bush and Cherelyn Bush; four stepchildren, Rich, Russ (Jay), Rod and Becky Champine; five grandchildren, Bradford (Tina) Smith, Eric Smith, Zach Baranek, Chad Bush and Amy (Michael) Bush-Phoenix, three step-grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Carleigh, Meaghan Kollman, Forrest Kollman and Teresa (Al) Leiner and seven great-grandchildren.
Frank has been cremated according to his wishes.
