OBITUARY: George E. Bush, 91, dies June 13, 2014

George E. Bush departed this life for his Heavenly home June 13, 2014, at the age of 91.

George was born Feb. 25, 1923, to George W. and Easter Bush of Rule, Texas.

He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific 184th Infantry Division as a heavy machine gunner from February 1942 to August 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts during his courageous service to his country.

George married Evelyn Simonds of Fort Worth on Sept. 20, 1947. They were a devoted couple for 67 years. Their only child, Carla Bush Rowland, was born April 15, 1955.

George began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in 1946 and moved to Midland in 1956 as an exchange engineer. The couple joined Crestview Baptist Church in Midland, and George was also very active in the Midland Evening Lions Club for more than 20 years, serving with all his heart in numerous positions from tail twister to resident.

George retired from Southwestern Bell in March 1985 with 38 years of wonderful friendships and memories.

Dedication to his family was his No. 1 priority in life. His joy and pleasure in his child, the daughter he adored, was the center of his life, and her husband, Joe Dan, was truly the son he never had.

During the years of his illness, his wife was an incredibly dedicated caretaker, and each time she walked into the room, he would light up and announce to everyone : “That’s my wife. Isn’t she beautiful?” George’s smile, which lit up the room, his wonderful sense of humor and his loving heart will be missed forever.

George is survived by his daughter, Carla Bush Rowland and husband, Joe Dan, of Horseshoe Bay: two grandchildren, Brad Rowland and wife Shareese and Todd Rowland and wife Melissa; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two loving sisters Robbie Jo Vanderburg of Odessa and Geraldine Hailes of Duncan, Okla.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Buford; sister Laverne; and his loving wife, Evelyn Bush.

The family extends special gratitude to the caring staff at both Manor Park Rehab in Midland and Granite Mesa in Marble Falls as well as the tremendous loving assistance from Rae, Regina and Krista.

A graveside service is 10:15 a.m. June 18 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Local arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.