Edward Bushmeyer

1950 - 2026

Edward L. Bushmeyer passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, in the arms of his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Louise Tonkovich, and his children, Christopher (Kate) Bushmeyer and Lisa (Kevin) Miller. He was loving Poppop of Liam, Finn and Gavin Miller and Christopher and Rose Bushmeyer.

Ed, 75, was a proud graduate of St. Louis University High, UMSL and St. Louis University. He was a VISTA Volunteer in the Soulard neighborhood. He also served one term as the neighborhood's state representative, 1979-81.

He then worked in city government for four mayors, beginning as press secretary to Mayor Vince Schoemehl. His 34-year career in city government included service as public safety director, supply commissioner, an assistant in the water division and assistant airport director. He was city assessor for 12 years.

After retirement in 2013, he worked on numerous political campaigns, including those of Schoemehl, former Mayor Francis Slay and current Mayor Cara Spencer, and those of fellow St. Louis Hills-area Democrats Jim Shrewsbury, Mary Pat Carl and Tom Oldenburg.

In 2021, Ed published a book about his political and public service years, "Diamond Vince to Saint Francis," on file at the St. Louis, UMSL and Washington University libraries. His papers are in the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Ed donated his body to the Washington University Medical School. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. Ed wanted a party, not a wake.

Ed requested, in lieu of other tributes, donations to the St. Louis Area Food Bank and St. Louis U. High.