Dr. Paul J. Busiek

1923 - 2016

Dr. Paul J. Busiek

Dr. Paul J. Busiek, son of Dr. U.J. and Erma Busiek, was born in Springfield, MO on April 1st, 1923 on April Fools Day and Easter Sunday. He went to his heavenly home on the morning of April 18th, 2016 at 8:20 am.

He was a life-long resident of Greene County and served his community in countless ways. Paul had three siblings, Angie, Kurt and Erwin. They grew up on Walnut Street with his father, the first pediatrician in Greene County and the surrounding area.

Paul attended Greenwood Laboratory School through high school. He graduated from Drury College and Washington University.

Paul was commissioned in the Army - Air Force and served his country in Student Medicine and was decorated with the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on March 31st, 1949.

Paul returned home to Springfield and served the area as a pediatrician with his father for many years. He served as a pediatrician for thirty-nine years helping thousands of children and families. Paul championed the polio vaccination program for Southwest Missouri. Paul donated a half day each week for twenty-five years to the city clinic. A child could always bring a smile to his face up to the end of his life.

Paul was a Patriot. He loved his County and served as State Representative to District 140. He ran for office as a one issue candidate, the Equal Rights Amendment. He won his race, went to Jefferson City, and along with Senator Emery Melton defeated this law and came home. It took Paul Busiek two sessions in the legislature to defeat a bad law.

Paul was an avid reader. He helped author several books and wrote many articles under four different pen names. He studied forms of Governments and was noted as an expert in the dictatorship of Communism. He testified to Congress and the House Committee on Internal Security.

Paul was a member of many political and civic organizations and was awarded several honors, including "The Defenders of Freedom."

Paul Busiek was what is known as a good man. He was a gentleman, soft spoken, had a heart as big as the outdoors, and was a man of his word. He loved Big Band and Jazz, he loved to dance and was quite good at it. He loved the outdoors and nature. He spent many hours in the country clearing land with his children and friends. He put the "Busiek State Forest" together and named it in honor of his parents. It was a great joy to him when a person would tell him how much they enjoyed it.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. U.J. and Erma, and his brother, Kurt Busiek. He is survived by his wife, Mavis; sister, Angie Busiek Bennett; brother, Dr. Erwin Busiek; son, Allen Busiek and daughter-in-law Renee of Springfield; daughters Leigh Busiek Windbigler of Strafford, MO, Lauri Busiek Eaton and son-in-law Daryle of San Antonio, TX, and Elisabeth Busiek of New York City, NY; grandsons LT Robert Busiek, USN and Gray Windbigler; granddaughter, Midshipman Rachel Busiek, USN; three stepsons, David and Linda, Rick and Val, and James and Melinda Troxel; six step grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 22nd, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21st, from 5:30-7:00 pm, also at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pregnancy Care Center, 1342 E. Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804.