Douglas Eugene Bushard

Douglas Eugene Bushard, age 73, of Perry, MI passed away on March 17, 2026 at his home.

Born on January 17, 1953 in Lansing, MI he lived a life defined by family, friends, and offering unsolicited advice with the best intention in mind. He would always let you know what was on his mind, and honestly that's what we'll miss most about him. His undying desire to want the best for his family, and to walk you through exactly how to get there.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Betty, his children Veronica (Mark) Klem, Mason (Shawna) Bushard, grandchildren Makenna, Holden, Declan and Kinley, sister Sandie and a never-ending list of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lucy Bushard, in-laws John and Helen Bartkowiak, brothers Dan and Mike Bushard, and sister Mary Black.

Doug, a graduate of Michigan State University and devout Spartan fan, was proud of the years he spent in business which included time as a soda jerk extraordinaire at Rann's Pharmacy, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a district manager at Pitney Bowes, president of Aldinger Printing & Direct Mail, owner or True Value Hardware in Perry, franchise specialist at Two Men and a Truck, funeral attendant at Palmer Bush & Jenson Funeral Homes and perhaps his favorite job of all, a substitute teacher in his retirement years. He loved nothing more than holding impromptu life seminars with students of all ages and making sure they learned something every time he was in front of a class.

Doug spent his early years in southern California learning to be a long-haired hippy when the family moved to small-town Midwest, where he challenged the status quo (and the patience of his father, the Chief of Police) with his antics, muscle cars and late-night curfew breaking. He and his best friends may or may not have drag raced down main street, relocated a wall at their home with fireworks and other general mayhem and shenanigans, but it made for some great stories to tell his grandkids and reminisce about.

As life went on, in his free time, Doug loved sailing, working in his woodshop, dancing to Jimmy Buffett songs with Betty, reading and simply putzing around. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family; nothing made him prouder. From long debates on all topics and walking the beach with Makenna, to working with Holden on any project they could get their hands on, instructing Declan how to hit the barn with golf balls ("learning to play golf", of course), or teaching Kinley to swim, his grandchildren were the stars in his eyes. His wife Betty, his high school sweetheart, was the love of his life and they spent five amazing decades together building what most people aspire to. His children's spouses, Mark and Shawna, who he loved as his own, and of course his two children, Veronica and Mason – his Rose and his Spike – there's nothing he wouldn't do for them.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22 4:00pm-8:00pm at Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Delta Chapel, 6301 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing MI 48917. Funeral Mass will be Monday March 23 at 1:00pm, at Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Home, Delta Chapel, family will receive guests starting at 11:00am for visitation. A luncheon will immediately follow, and the family would love you to sit and visit if you're available. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Doug loved to give his Betty Lou flowers, but should you decide to make a donation in his name instead, the family requests it be made to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) in honor of his grandson, Declan.

Doug will be more than missed by all who loved him. While we know he's having a great time walking the beach with those gone before, we wish he was still here dipping his toes in the water with us. Until we meet again, G-Paw…