Charles Edward "Doc" Busch Jr.

Charles Edward "Doc" Busch, Jr. Augusta Charles Edward "Doc" Busch, Jr., age 87, of Augusta, MI, died on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at his residence. Doc was born on May 26, 1923 in McKeesport, PA and was the son of Charles E. and Eva (Goetz) Busch, Sr. Charles exhibited a musical interest and talent, early on. Starting with the obligatory piano lessons, he soon played the trumpet in the school band and then with jazz bands at clubs, where he was too young for the main entrance. He studied music at Carnegie Mellon University, before serving honorably as a Tec 5 in the U.S Army during World War II. Doc was a member of the 87th Infantry and Division Band in the European Theatre. A chance meeting while out listening to music, Sally always recalled how handsome Doc was with his silver trumpet, so she slipped her phone number under the table during a break between sets. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2003, surrounded by friends and family. Doc squeezed jazz gigs between working the steel mill crane at night; going to the University of Pittsburgh by day and graduating from Dental School in 1953. After a short time in private practice, they moved to Augusta, MI, where Doc was a dentist for the Veterans Administration until retiring in 1983. The family lived at the Fort Custer area where the park headquarters now stands until buying "The Farm." This hobby farm became a source of great enjoyment which included planting thousands of trees, a pond construction and other wild life management. Always the accomplished musician, Doc played trumpet professionally during the Big Band Era; became a recognized French Horn player with symphonic and community bands and shared this with his daughter, Suzie, during his "Middle Music Career." When Doc retired from the VA, a friend suggested he "pick-up" the tuba to fill in with their Dixieland Band. This became one of the most satisfying and defining moves he would ever make in his life. Approaching the tuba with his solid academic and intellectual style, he studied along with professional players and became an extraordinary tuba player. As a very good friend said recently; "Doc became the "Go To Guy" on the tuba!" The New Superior Jazz Band became a new focus of growth and enjoyment for him and Sally. Doc was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Jean Holler on July 15, 2006 and his daughter, Suzie Sherriff on February 13, 2003. Surviving is his sister, Eileen (Bill) Herold of San Luis Obispo, CA; his children, David W. (Peggy) Busch of West Newton, PA, Charles E. (Sue White) Busch, III of Grand Rapids, MI, Carol J. (John) Madden of Roswell, NM, and Marydale (Kevin) Casey of Hickory Corners, MI; a granddaughter, Margaret Busch of Richland, who lived with Doc and Sally for many years; 13 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and a great great grandson. Doc will also be missed by his beloved son-in-law, Robert "Skip" Sherriff of Hickory Corners, MI; long-time family friends from McKeesport, Joe and Barb McCallister and members of the New Superior Jazz Band, Tom Adrianson, David Holcomb, George Pendill, Al Loftgran and the "Lovely Barbara Neller." A celebration of Doc's life will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the Bayview Gardens, 12504 East D Avenue, Augusta, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A graveside service at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, for both Doc and Sally will be held on Thursday, June 30th at 11:30 a.m. with full, military honors bestowed by the U.S. Army and the Fort Custer Honor Guard-Thursday Detail. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doc's honor may be made to the McKay (Augusta) Library, 105 S. Webster Street, Augusta, MI, 49012 or the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, 2101 Wood Street, Lansing, MI, 48912. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is in charge of all the arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be directed to www.farleyestesdowdle.com