Alban Cleveland Bush Jr.

Published 9:22 am Monday, June 23, 2014

Alban Cleveland Bush Jr., 90 years old and a resident of Bogalusa, was born on July 8, 1923. Mr. Bush slipped peacefully to our Lord at Matthews Memorial Health Care Center in Alexandria, La., on June 18, 2014.

He was the beloved husband for over 65 years of his dear wife Dorothy Bush, who preceded him in death. Mr. Bush is survived by six daughters: Ann (Jerry) Eggert of Zachary, Mary Paduda of Bogalusa, Paula (Lloyd) Winger of Birmingham, Ala., Debbie (Rufus) Thomas of Waynesville, N.C., Kathi (Buddy) Adams of Bogalusa and Merrilyn (Rick) Norem of Alexandria; two sons: Alban (Karen) Bush III of Bogalusa and Jeffery (Meredith) Bush of Covington; and 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his brothers with whom he was very close: Newell Bush of Crossroads, Miss., Claude (Sue) Bush of Bogalusa and Clarence Bush of Denham Springs, La.; special brother-in-law, Clyde (Sue) Adams of Waxahachie, Texas; sister-in-law Ola Hobgood of Bogalusa; Carolyn McCain of Sandy Hook, Miss.; Daniel (Cindy) Adams Jr. of Crowley; and Lucy (Fred) Kuylen of Metairie.

Mr. Bush was preceded in death by his parents, A.C. and Lonie Bush Sr.; his brothers Alfred “Shorty” Bush, infant brothers Lionel and Joseph Bush and Cecil Bush; sister Alma Pittman; and a special son-in-law, Michael Paduda Jr.

He was devoted to his wife and eight children. He lived a very full life. Shortly after he graduated from Bogalusa High School, A.C. enlisted in the U.S. Navy on the first anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served with distinction earning the Purple Heart. He married his sweetheart, Dorothy Adams, while at the naval base in Norman, Okla. After the war, they returned to Bogalusa to make it their lifelong home. “Junior” worked as an instrument repairman at the paper mill for 35 years. Though he spent many long hours there, he found time to volunteer as a little league football coach, scout leader, Eucharistic minister, minister to the home bound, on the Annunciation Catholic School Board, active 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and member of the American Legion. A.C. never sought recognition but received many honors, including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed on a volunteer. His love for his faith and the church, Annunciation Catholic Church, he was bestowed the Archdiocese of New Orleans St. Louis Award. A.C. and Dot were jointly honored as the Jubilee Family of Annunciation Catholic School for their devotion and dedication to what they referred to as “our little school.” Bogalusa had a very special place in his heart.

The number of people touched with his kindness and help are too many to enumerate. A.C. was a man with a big heart and a generous spirit.

Relatives and friends attended the visitation and rosary prior to the funeral Mass on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Annunciation Catholic Church followed by interment at Ponemah Cemetery Bogalusa, with Father Lawrence Phelps O.S.B. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of A.C.’s dearest loves, Annunciation Catholic School, 511 Avenue C, Bogalusa, LA 70427, or a charity of your choice.