Royce O. Bush, Jr., 83, of Redfield, SD, died Sunday, February 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. His funeral will be Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational UCC Church in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield with military rites. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present starting at 6:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Memorials will be divided between First Congregational Church UCC and an educational scholarship in Royce's name.

Royce O. Bush, Jr., was born to Olga (Monington) and Royce O. Bush, Sr. on his father's birthday, Oct. 12, 1928. He lived through his teen years in the St. Lawrence, SD area.

In 1951, Royce joined the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict.

Royce married Ila Mae Schade on July 9, 1953, at the First Congregational Church UCC in Redfield. Together the couple had five children. For nine years, Royce and Ila Mae farmed in Spink County. Royce then worked as an auto mechanic for 18 years, owning or operating three different full service gas stations in Redfield. In 1980, Royce sold Bush Texaco and became Redfield City Street and Water Supervisor. He retired in 1995.


Royce treasured family and loved children above all else. His grandchildren gave him tremendous joy and were a source of immense pride. Many children affectionately knew him as "Grandpa" because he assisted Ila Mae with her in-home daycare for 29 years.

A longtime community volunteer, Royce was a member of First Congregational Church UCC, the Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Masonic Lodge.

Royce is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren: Randy and Sandi Bush, and Alaina, of Wichita, KS; Sharlene Bush of Mankato, MN; Peggy and Byron Meyer, Shaylynn, and Kaitlynn, of Columbus, NE; Tim and Terri Bush, Emily, David, and Heidi, of Alexandria, MN; and Barb and Don Paulson, Naomi, Charles, and Maggie, of Redfield. His surviving siblings include four sisters: Inez and Don Schade of Redfield, Betty Schaffer of Aberdeen, Rose and Joe Nuhsbaumer of Zell, and June and Jack Ehrich of Zell; one brother, Sidney and Frances Bush of Victorville, CA; his brother in spirit, John and Helen Melbourn of San Diego, CA; and three step-brothers: Nova, Gerald, and Ken Palmer.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Jim, Don, Keith, and Lyman (Skip) Bush.