Robert DeBusk Obituary

Rev. Robert "Bill" Franklin DeBusk, Jr.

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Services to celebrate the life of Rev. Robert "Bill" Franklin DeBusk, Jr. will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Benton United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Cheryl Nelson, associate pastor of Benton United Methodist Church, assisted by Dr. Danny Gleason, pastor of the church. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery, with U.S. Navy Honors. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Bill was born March 15, 1921 in Saltville, VA to Robert Franklin DeBusk, Sr. and Emma M. DeBusk and died June 15, 2015 in Bossier City. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy as Yeoman 1st Class. He enlisted December 8, 1941 and was called to duty May 20, 1942. He served in the U.S. Naval Construction Brigade (Seabees) on Johnston Island. After his discharge, Bill completed college and became a Methodist Minister.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward DeBusk; brother, Paul DeBusk; sisters, Barbara DeBusk, Sue Deck, Francis Stafford, Jean Burris, and Betty Ann Wheeler; granddaughter, Rachel DeBusk and grandson, William Holmes.

He is survived by his wife of 70 ½ years, Elizabeth M. Maddox DeBusk of Bossier City; son, Robert F. DeBusk III and wife, Rhonda of Olympia, WA; daughter, Pamela Jean Holmes of Benton; sister, Doris Jane Thomas and husband, Teddy of Cincinnati, OH; brother, Richard DeBusk and wife, Earlayne of Parisburg, VA; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way.

The family suggests memorials to the Methodist Children's Home in Ruston, LA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times on Jun. 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert DeBusk

7 Entries

Sharon James

June 23, 2015

To the DeBusk, family I would like to express my sympathy in the passing of your loved one. I met Mr. Debusk son on Tuesday and he was such a nice and kind man. I don't know this family but I believe Mr. Debusk planted good seed in his children. God bless and keep you all always.

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

June 19, 2015

The Final Salute

Brothers in Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Robert (Bill) De Busk, Jr.our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Bill. And to Bill it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving as a SeaBee in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion. Bill, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,061 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Bill's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

June 18, 2015

Liz, was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing it was a pleasure to have known him. May God bless you and your family.
Always a friend
Evelyn Kemp

Ginny Gallaspy Garlington

June 18, 2015

Bro. DeBusk was our pastor when I was a child at Pelican Methodist Church. My sympathy to the family.

Pat Covington

June 17, 2015

We loved having Rev DeBusk as part of our Brookdale family. What a wonderful addition he was and a joy to know. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and sympathy our with all of you.

Angie DeMoss

June 17, 2015

I wish there were more men like Mr. DeBusk. One in a million the last of a great generation. God Bless.

Gary & Judi Holmes

June 17, 2015

Our deepest sympathies to the family - especially to Pam, Robert and Liz.

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