Thomas E. "Tom" Bush Sr.

Thomas E. "Tom" Bush Sr., age 84, of Mount Gilead, passed away Friday morning, February 20, 2026, at Woodside Village Care Center.

Tom was born August 24, 1941, in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of the late Chester and Miriam D. (Blum) Bush. He was a 1960 graduate of Chester High School.

Following graduation, Tom proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a naval photographer. During his service, he survived being shot down over the Bay of Pigs. He received his honorable discharge in 1962.

On March 15, 1969, Tom married Charlotte Duckworth, and together they shared 19 years of marriage before her passing on January 24, 1989.

Tom dedicated many years of service to the community as the Morrow County Deputy Dog Warden. He later worked as a laborer for M/I Homes in Columbus.

Tom was a member of Sacred Hearts Catholic Church. He loved spending time outdoors, fishing at Kokosing Lake, reading, and watching classic Westerns.

Tom is survived by his children, Thomas E. Bush II and Tonya (Ronald) Hinkle; grandchildren: Thomas "Brant" Bush, David Lustritz, Jessica Shelly, Cassandra (J.J.) Nava; three great grandchildren; his brother, James "Jim" Bush; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Joan Bush.

Tom's family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Funeral services to honor his life will take place there at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with Pastor Art Wooddell officiating. Burial with military honors provided by VFW Post 8054, AMVETS Post 87 and Active-Duty U.S. Navy will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Snyder Funeral Homes to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Tom's family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.