Gerald J. Bush

Gerald was born on the 15th of December 1926, in Prescott, Iowa. He was the only child of Helen Althea James and Gerald Jesse Bush.

He lost his valiant fight against pneumonia surrounded by his loving wife, Olga Flora Bush and his dedicated children; daughter, Denise Bush Bahr and her husband Philip Bahr, and son, Randall Bush and his wife Deborah Bush.Gerry graduated from North Hollywood High School in California, where he discovered and refined his love for music, as he excelled at playing the French horn. After being selected to play solo by Leopold Stokowski (Philadelphia Philharmonic) he made several recordings in Los Angeles for the All American Youth Orchestra – this was one of his early age accomplishments he was very fond of sharing.

During WWII, Gerald volunteered in the US Army becoming the Military Governor of Sangju, Korea, (63rd Military Government) a post that brought him great pride and understanding of the Korean culture. Committed to the noble values of his country, he served as an army reservist in the California National Guard, as Master Sergeant HQ & SVC Company, 223rd Armored Infantry Division. Gerry was also a PUFL member of the American Legion, Post No. 492, Texas.

After his honorable discharge from the US Army, Gerald attended the University of Southern California. He completed his studies in geology and mathematics earning a Magna Cum Laude degree in 1952. His faithful participation to his Alma Mater continued throughout his life, and he served as Past President, USC Alumni Club of Houston; Past Governor, Board of Governors, General Alumni Association of USC; Member of the President's Circle, USC; Cardinal and Gold Member, USC.

Gerald began his oil and gas career with Superior Oil Company and later Gulf Oil Corporation. After leaving Total Petroleum, Inc. he continued as a consultant in exploration geology. His career would eventually span over 50 years. He was also a member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Under the auspices of the Geological Society of America, he shared his deep attachment to nature with his children whom he led through numerous and memorable expeditions and family vacations.

Gerry was a devoted servant, lector and a founding member of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church and Shrine.He was and will remain to us a true Renaissance man. He was that which bound our family together: our spiritual leader, a devoted husband, adorable father and gentle man for all seasons.

Recitation of the holy rosary is to commence at five o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 16th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, the family will receive friends in the adjacent grand foyer until seven o'clock in the evening.

A Requiem Mass is to be offered at one o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 17th of January, at Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane in Houston.

Interment is to follow in the church cemetery.

The family would be most grateful if donations are made in his memory to any of the musical arts in Houston or to Our Lady of Walsingham Parish Choir or to Chorus Angelorum c/o Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055.