Mike was born in Emporia, Kansas to Russell Dick and Thelma June (Cornwell) Bush.
He would be the first to tell you that he did not have the best or easiest childhood. He quickly learned ways to keep himself busy. Usually something to do with music or something ornery to earn a few bucks here and there. He frequently shared stories of his “best buddies” from childhood and while laughing (sometimes to the point of tears) would always give those buddies the credit for teaching him some of life’s most important lessons. Many of those buddies are still cherished friends of our family to this day.
Mike left home at just the age of 15 to begin a life for himself.
He had several odd jobs through the next few years including mowing lawns, the car wash, and becoming a mechanic.
Being a mechanic ignited his interest into semi trucking. He started driving the big rigs (ALWAYS manual never automatic) in 1968.
In 1970 he graduated from Emporia High School, and not a moment too soon!
In 1972 Mike chose to follow his dad R.D.’s footsteps to a full-time position with Santa Fe Railroad.
Santa Fe created the stability that was needed to create a family of his own.
His survivors include his wife, Estena “Tena” (Watts) Bush; three children, son Scott Bush and wife Cady, daughter Lyndsay (Bush) Waltho and husband Jonathan “Jon”, son Russell “Russ” Bush and wife Alyson, 3 grandchildren Scott’s son Hayden, Russell’s kids Gabriel, and Mackenzie; other relatives and TONS of friends.
Mike retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 1998.
After a few other short lived employment opportunities Mike went back to trucking but full time as owner/operator.
He retired from trucking to enjoy time alone with his loves in 2018.
As you have read this, an amazing man’s life has been laid out in a matter of a few sentences. NONE of the stops and in betweens matter!
If you were to ask his wife what kind of a life partner Mike had been, she would tell you “It was impossible to summarize that. He was her rock, he always listened to her (sometimes to disagree but he still listened), and he was ever trying to find new ways to surprise her. Trinkets, and flowers; but lately those had gone and he would cover her by the blood of Jesus by reading scripture to her.”
If you asked his kids what kind of a man he was, they would say “Hard-working, independent, loved to tell stories, a big personality, and steadfast in his faith.”
“My best friend, my hero, and secret keeper. Dad got me in ways that no one else could. He was funny but firm. Opinionated but open for debates. His hugs were huge and always healing, but his love was always bigger! Always just wanting us kids to have a better life than he did.”
“A man who believed in the value of every single person regardless of what their past trials and tribulations were. He would happily give you his last dollar attached with a blessing. He was fiercely protective of his friends and family. Sometimes rough around the edges but always had good intent. Dad enjoyed recalling memories to relive those good times. He loved mom with his whole heart and was proud of his kids.”
From his stories of people he knew from childhood all the way up to people he met a few weeks ago, he knew NO strangers! He LOVED people; and he LOVED the Lord! He wanted ALL the people in his life to know the comfort of the Lord. He may have came across as pushy to some, a comedian to others, or just a trucker friend turned minister. Whatever he was to you, may we ALL find peace in knowing exactly where he is now.
Ephesians 4:30-5:2
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another- practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Please use this link to stay connected with his other friends and family. https://everloved.com/life-of/micheal-bush/
