Thomas H. Bush

Thomas Henry Bush, 83, of Blue Springs, Missouri died peacefully at Monterey Park Nursing Home on June 10, 2018.  Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years Sharron Driskill Bush (wife), children Scott (Barb) Bush; Blue Springs, MO, Kurt Bush, Kansas City, MO, Jill (Crosby) Gernon, Kansas City, MO and Jeff (Kate) Bush, Chanhassen, MN, and 12 grandchildren.  Tom is also survived by seven brothers and sisters.  He is preceded in death by: his father, Francis Miller Bush, and mothers, Catherine (Barry) Bush and Mary (Langan) Bush, and two brothers and two sisters.

Tom was born on March 20, 1935 in Atchison, KS to Francis Miller and Catherine (Barry) Bush.  He attended St. Benedict's grade school, Maur Hill High School (class of '54), then joined the United States Army. After serving in the Army, Tom attended Kansas State University.  After graduation, Tom worked throughout the Midwest (KS, IA, CO, MO).  He married Sharron Driskill on May 9, 1964, in Independence, KS.  His passion for his 1928 Model A Roadster, donuts, flying, and travel ran deep.

Tom never met a stranger, loved to wheel and deal, and always found a way to make fun of any situation, often times un-relentlessly.

In his younger days he could be found riding up and down the streets of Atchison on everything from his bicycle to a Whizzer motorbike to a Triumph or Harley motorcycle.

He was well known as "Donut Tom" for the years he owned and ran the Daylight Donut shops in Atchison, Hiawatha, and Goodland, KS, and Blue Springs, MO. His iconic all white outfit was his trademark uniform for years as he always gave donut holes away to the youngest customers and reminded them to tell their parents to bring them back next week to see him, especially at parades in his Model A.

Tom had an energy and drive combined with intestinal fortitude that propelled him to accomplish anything he set his mind to do. He was a serial entrepreneur long before it was vogue. He started multiple businesses in multiple communities throughout his life. He loved taking an idea, starting from nothing and building it into a successful business, selling it and moving on.

This was especially true with his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the fall of 1983. He never allowed MS to define him, let alone deter him in his pursuits. Though later in life frustrated by its effects and as it took its toll on his body, he never ever complained or used it as an excuse.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to all of the extended family for their support of Tom and Sharron through his struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.  The wonderful memories of holidays with his siblings and their families on North 3rd street are cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maur Hill- Mount Academy High School.

Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sat., June 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Spring Garden St & S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, with a lunch reception to follow immediately in the church basement with graveside services following lunch. Care entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, 208 N. 5 ^th St., Atchison, KS 66002.