Dennis Vern Busch

Dennis Vern Busch was born into a love-filled, hard-working home in Cushing, Oklahoma on May 10, 1951. He was raised by a mechanic/truck driver father and homemaker/educator mother, alongside 3 siblings – Paul Jr, Randy, and Diana. Their family was never short on laughter or joy. Music, nature, and sport was everywhere and it stayed with him all his life.

During high school, Dennis left a mark as a student leader, involved in 4H, speech and drama, and varsity sports. He remained involved with community theater, education, and always found ways to play and coach team sports. Even in his last years, after liver surgery and while receiving chemo treatments, he loved playing shortstop for his ‘senior’ softball team in Tulsa, OK.

He was also a loyal fan and alum of Oklahoma State University, where he received a BA and MS in Speech Communications and Student Personnel & Guidance. He made lifelong friendships at OSU, especially his Phi Kappa Theta fraternity brothers who called him “Bear.” Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Christy Sue Dancer, while at OSU. They were married January 5th, 1974. Afterwards, Dennis spent his professional life in higher education, dedicated to creating opportunities and spaces where students felt welcome and empowered. His longest tenure (over 25 years) was with Texas A&M University, including six years in Doha, Qatar.

Dennis and Christy became members of the Baha’i Faith early in their life together. They searched for a religion that reflected their love for God, humanity, and service to others – a belief system they wanted to raise their family with. The Baha’i communities of Billings, Montana; College Station, Texas; Doha, Qatar; and Tulsa, Oklahoma became their extended family members as they made a home in each new place. In College Station, they were known to host weekly fireside discussions, which led to them becoming unofficial adoptive parents of many Aggie Baha’is and friends. At some point, these students gave him the new nickname “Musch.”

Dennis loved to golf with his siblings, camp with his children, explore with his grandchildren, hike any trail, and watch any game or tournament (especially if OSU was playing). The simple act of making a good cup of coffee for his wife, daughters, son, or any visiting family or friend, is a reflection of his humble and loyal spirit. Later in life, he and Christy planted and nurtured an orchard, complete with chickens and two miniature donkeys. He loved caring for the animals and land, and especially watching the sun rise and day begin as the house stirred and family awoke during his grandparenting years. It was during this time that his final nickname “Gumpy” took hold.

Dennis Busch left this mortal world at the age of 73 on Sunday, September 29, 2024 while receiving care in Houston for PSC* and liver cancer-related complications.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christy; his 3 children, Bree (Renan) Woods, Jessa (Jared) Berger, and Ben (Sarah) Dasch; his grandchildren Zaryn and Leleida Woods, Dax and June Berger, Olivia and Leo Dasch; and his siblings Paul (Phyllis) Busch Jr., Randy Busch, and Diana (Tim) Hartley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Aidan Dasch, and his parents, Paul and Verna Busch.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 10am, Friday, October 4th at Calvary Hills Funeral Home in Humble, Texas. An additional memorial will be held in Norman, Oklahoma on October 26th.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to celebrate and honor Dennis’s life can consider making memorial contributions to the following foundations:

National Parks Foundation - https://give.nationalparks.org

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure - https://pscpartners.org

If you are a Baha’i, you may of course donate to the Baha’i fund of your choice in Dennis’s name.

A funeral service for Dennis will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 21723 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A committal service will occur Friday, October 4, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 21723 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A catered reception will occur Friday, October 4, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 21723 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338.