Ralph Albert Bush Jr., age 76, of Dixon, was born June 4, 1947, at Cortland, New York, a son of Ralph Albert and Rosamond (Amerman) Bush Sr., and passed from this life Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

He served in the United States Army as a construction equipment repairer, an engineering equipment mechanic, a track vehicle mechanic, and a diesel mechanic. Retiring after 22 years of service, a man of excellent character, Sergeant First Class Ralph Bush's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimony of selfless and dedicated service to his country during the Vietnam Era.

Ralph was united in marriage February 13, 1982, at Fort Leonard Wood, to the former Miss Denise Ann Jost.

After retiring from the United States Army, Ralph continued his career with Arby's restaurant chain for 25 years, starting as the district manager and then taking over as the general manager of the St. Robert Arby's and with Wal-Mart for 5 years, as a stocker. He was a member of the Pulaski County Memorial Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 4238, Dixon, American Legion Post 298, Dixon, and a strong supporter of the highway patrol. Ralph was always on the go, he enjoyed steam engines, tractors, fishing, and reading history books, especially books on the Civil War.

Those left to mourn the passing of Ralph include:  His wife, Denise of the home in Dixon; his children, Scott Atwood of Springfield, Gina Finstrom (John Reisenbuchler) of Elgin, Illinois; Margie Lusk of St. Robert; Tim Atwood (Christina) of Magnolia, Delaware; Deana Cox (James) of Rolla; Dori Adkinson (James) of New Braunfels, Texas; and Tara Ayers (Chris) of Rolla; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, William "Bill" Bush of King Mountain, North Carolina; two sisters, Joyce Anci of New Port Richey, Florida; and Patricia Cleverly (Bob) of Sterling Kentucky; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Albert Bush Sr. on February 26, 1989; his mother Rosamond Bush on October 30, 1970; one daughter, Elizabeth Patterson on May 29, 2021, and one son, Steven Atwood on November 17, 2020.

Visitation for Mr. Ralph Bush Jr. will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Friday, August 25, 2023, in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home Chapel, 105 East Third Street, Dixon, MO 65459, followed by his inurnment with full military honors at 2:00 p.m., in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 25350 State Hwy H, Waynesville, MO 65583.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Ralph Bush Jr. are suggested by his family to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, with envelopes available at the funeral home on the day of his service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. EE, Dixon, MO 65459.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Ralph Bush Jr. at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com