Thomas C. Bush M.D.

1939 - 2025

Thomas C. Bush, M.D.

September 13, 1939 - July 17, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, and friend.

Thomas Charles Bush, MD, was born in Tilden, NE, to Charles Edward Bush and Helen Copeland Bush. He lived a life marked by accomplishment, devotion, and deep generosity of spirit.

Dr. Bush "Tom" grew up in Nebraska and attended Norfolk High School, distinguishing himself both academically and athletically. He graduated as valedictorian, was a star on the track and football teams, and was student council president, embodying the drive and perseverance that would define his life.

Dr. Bush pursued pre-medicine undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, before returning to Nebraska to attend the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha. There, he excelled as a student, serving as president of his class, and, most significantly, met his future wife, Mary Patricia Melby "Patty". The two were married in 1962.

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Bush completed his internship at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, NE. His quest for excellence in medicine led him to New Orleans, LA, where he undertook a residency in orthopedic surgery at Tulane University Medical Center.

Early in his career, Dr. Bush served his country with distinction at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MO, rising to the rank of Major and then Lieutenant Colonel. His family grew and thrived during these years before returning to their roots in Omaha, in 1971, a home they cherished for the next 55 years.

In Omaha, Dr. Bush practiced orthopedics and exclusively dedicated himself to Methodist Hospital. He served on its staff for decades and touched countless lives through his expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Dr. Bush was also a member of the UNMC teaching staff.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Patricia Bush; his sister, Patty Bush Sturgis of Dallas, TX; his daughter, Ann Bush Kutilek (Richard) of Omaha; his sons, Thomas Edward Bush (Dana) of Evanston, IL, and James Michael Bush (Erica) of Omaha; and by his beloved grandchildren: Kate Leyendecker, Liz and Tom Kutilek, Charlie, Henry, and Audrey Bush.

We express our gratitude to Bob Haller, a family friend, who tirelessly cared for Dr. Bush in the last years of his life.

Dr. Bush's memory will also be cherished by extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many patients whose lives he helped heal.

He loved Nebraska Football and was a long-time supporter of the University of Nebraska. Dr. Bush rarely missed a home game, and was an avid fan, holding tailgate parties with friends and family before home games. He also had a passion for hunting and golfing. Dr. Bush had many hunting dogs through the years. He was also known by anyone who played golf with him to be a great putter. Just when you thought you would have him beat on a hole, he would sink a 20-foot putt to save par.

A CELEBRATION of Dr. Bush's life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Field Club of Omaha, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Methodist Hospital, Christ the King Church, or the Nebraska Humane Society.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler

West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd.

402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com