Thomas Busch

Thomas J. Busch, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep December 17, 2017 in his residence at Holy Cross Village with family by his side.He was born in Cincinnati, OH on September 25, 1926 to the late Wilemina M. (Makley) and Ralph B. Busch. Tom met his college sweetheart, Suzanne (Suzie) Williams of Indianapolis, while attending Purdue Uniuversity as a Sigma Chi, and married in Indianapolis, IN on June 30, 1951. They shared a lifelong love for each other until Suzie passed away on November 23, 2008. Tom is survuved by his five children: Thomas J. (Ann) Busch, Jr., of Findlay, OH, David W. (Noreen) Busch of South Bend, IN, James R. (Anna Marie) Busch of Portage, MI; Deborah A Busch of Grand Rapids, MI and Robert C. (Billie) Busch of Beverly Hills, MI. Also left to cherish his memory are 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his parents and his four beloved brothers, Ralph, Bill, Ed, and Bob.
Tom had a lifelong career in the automotive industry and retired as a Group Sr. Vice President from Allied Signal Corporation, formerly Bendix. Tom served on many Board of Directors including 1st Source Bank and was Chairman of the United Way Campaign. Tom belived in giving back to communities through service including the United Way, Boys and Girls Club of Michigan, the Catholic intercity schools in Savannah, GA and many others. He was a veteran serving as a Sargeant in the Army Air Force Corp at the end of WWII. Tom led a spiritual life and helped anyone in need.
Tom and Suzie had a full marriage throwing parties for friends and family, they were avid golfers, travelling the world, cheering on his beloved Boilermakers, and spending summers at their cottage in Harbor Springs, MI. All of their children and grandchildren will forever keep memories of their time together with Grandpa and Mema every 4th of July. Tom was best known for his ability to make people feel at ease, his grumpy but compassionate one liners, and his demur smile with a twinkle in his eyes saying “whatever”.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross College on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Noon. A visitation for friends of the family is scheduled in the church from 10:30am until the time of mass. McGann Hay, Forest G. Hay Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.Those who wish to honor his memory are asked to consider, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Center for Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 243-3100.To send condolences, please visit: www.McGannHay.com