Obituary of Carl Bush

Carl Benjamin Bush, age 83, of Minooka, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Born May 24, 1932 in Springfield, he was the son of Carl Benjamin and Hazel (Parnell) Bush. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart award. Carl was a proud veteran and patriot and was active in numerous veterans organizations including Minooka American Legion Post #1188, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6049 in Morris, VFW Post #3629 in Ketchikan, AK, and Marne American Legion Post #13 in Plainfield, where he served as Past Commander. A 32 Degree Mason, he was a 50 year member of Lodge #536 A.F. and A.M., Plainfield, and Ansar Temple Shriners, Springfield. He was also an avid supporter of the Second Amendment and a member of Newark Sports Club. The primary focus of Carl's activities since 1964 was serving the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Leader with Troop 82 from Plainfield, and in various other leadership capacities with Boy Scouts Rainbow Council. He was a recipient of the Order of the Arrow the Silver Beaver Award. He received a commendation by President Gerald Ford for his efforts in organizing and completing the 200 mile Bicentennial Walk in 1976, beginning in Springfield, IL and ending in Bicentennial Park in Joliet. Carl and his beloved wife, Barbara, enjoyed a long, happy and healthy retirement and traveling for 18 years serving as volunteers in national parks for the National Park Service and US Forestry throughout the country, particularly in Alaska and Arizona. Carl and Barbara graduated from the Minooka Citizens Police Academy proudly serving with the Minooka Police Department for several years. Honored in 2013 by the Minooka Police Department for their many hours of volunteering, Carl was asked why they spent so much time volunteering over the years. He responded: "We are citizens of the community. That's how Barbara and I look at it." Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Lee (Little) Bush; six children, Carla Cambruzzi (Perry, deceased; Mark Donnelly, deceased) of Pahrump, NV, Diana (Len) Burkart of Joliet, Michael (Jill) Bush of Champaign, David (Melissa) Bush of Morris, Sally (Joe) Pollard of Channahon, and Daniel (Sarah) Bush of Minooka; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother John (Diane) Bush and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved parents-in-law, infant sister, brother, Jerry Bush and two sons-in-law. Memorials in his name to Rainbow Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2600 Winterbottom Rd, Morris, IL 60450 would be appreciated. Memorial Services for Carl Bush will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Channahon United Methodist Church, 24751 W Eames St., Channahon, IL 60410, where friends will be received from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services. Interment with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet.