It is with great and unexpected sadness, that we announce the passing of David Edward Busch on October 21, 2024, at the age of 63. Dave was born on June 21, 1961, in St. Louis Missouri, and was adopted by Henry and Darlene Busch.
In his early years, after watching the movie Smokey and the Bandit, Dave developed an interest in diesel trucks. Dave pursued that interest and attended South County Tech for Diesel Mechanics then graduated in 1979. After 27 years of being a diesel mechanic, Dave made the decision to switch fields to work Maintenance at International Foods, Prairie location in St. Louis.
It was in 1983 when Dave met the love of his life, Nancy, while visiting friends at Hannibal-LaGrange College. They married in 1984 and had two children together – Daniel (Stephanie) and Matthew. Dave was a loving husband, devoted father, and always enjoyed bringing loved ones together.
Dave was an avid music lover, and he could always be found playing a guitar, learning a new jam. He even played in a few bands throughout his life as lead guitar and was always looking forward to playing their next gig. He also had a passion for restoring old pinball machines and cars – specifically a 1965 and 1967 Ford Mustang. His laughter was contagious to all who were blessed to be in his presence. Those who knew Dave will forever miss the constant joy and happiness that he brought to everyone
Nancy.
We were so shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. He will be missed. We are thinking of you and your family.
Jerry and Diane Thomas
Dave is one of my first cousins, and I would often sing the “Cousins” theme song from the Patty Duke Show to him just so I could hear him laugh. He had a wonderful smile and laugh. We miss him already.
Nancy,
I fell to my knees when I got the call from Matthew. As many are, we were totally shocked. Not many people can say this, but as you know, Dave and I knew each other for 60 years. I will forever remember the good ole days at the lake, and of course the Pevely flea market. I have since reviewed, the comical birthday cards Dave had sent me. His contagious laugh and easy going personality will never be forgotten. We have lost a dear friend. You, Daniel and Matthew are in our prayers.
Wish I had known him better. Enjoyed being at Dave and Nancy’s home and will always be grateful for their including Gary in their family. Will think of you always.
Nancy, I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved Dave, and I wanted to reach out to express my heartfelt condolences.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
During this difficult time, I hope you find comfort and strength in the cherished memories you shared together.
With deepest sympathy,
Necole
Nancy, Dave was not only my friend but the best maintenance man this company has ever seen. His attention to detail and extreme organization set him apart from all others. Dave was my best friend, always had something to talk about, we both loved old cars. He helped with my first car, a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. He was always able to fix my Mom’s trinkets and put a smile on her face. As tears are dripping off my cheek, I will never forget you Dave, you were the best friend I ever had. I have a lifetime of memories that will make me smile when I think of you. I hope you are jamming with Elvis and Roy Orbison right now. Goodbye my friend.
Nancy, We still can’t believe Dave is gone. He always had the biggest smile and laugh that was so contagious. I laugh every time I think of Dave teaching Amber the chicken dance. He was one in a million and will be missed so much. We are thinking and praying for you , Matthew and Daniel and Stephanie.
Alan and Janee’
Nancy, I am so heartbroken for your loss. Dave was a special man and I know how much you loved him (and how much he loved you, Daniel, Stephanie, and Matthew) Sending you all much love and hoping that warm memories bring you some peace.
I met a 15-year-old Dave at a New Year’s Eve party in 1976, and of course he was playing guitar. In 1977 he became part of my family, and he remained family through marriages, deaths, births, and everything else life brought our way since. We were not family by blood, but we were family through our hearts and love. We spent our first Thanksgiving together in 1977, and we were together for every Thanksgiving since except 2020 due to Covid. I know that my heart will be breaking this Thanksgiving because his loss is so big. There were too many people to mention to greet him in heaven, but I know that Dan Kargacin was there with one of his big bear hugs. I hope he is playing music with the biggest band in heaven and is smiling from ear to ear. Until we meet again, I will forever carry you in my heart.
Uncle Dave, the man, the myth, the legend. My whole life I had the greatest fortune to have him as my uncle., also a father figure and great role model His personality was the most positive one I have ever met even with the obstacles and loss he endured throughout his life. Every holiday we would play games and tell stories trying to crack each other up. Quoting movies and TV shows, especially Saturday Night Live. were guaranteed gut busters. I was the ringer bearer in his wedding and my son was honored to be selected in Dave’s sons wedding as ring bearer completing the circle of life. You went to the spirit in the sky too soon Uncle Dave, and will be missed, but never forgotten. Tell everyone up there in heaven hello and I will see you again someday.
I remember Dave being a kind man full of laughter. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Very sorry for your loss. Dave was a great guy and a fellow pinball enthusiast. Always loved having him come by my place to play pinball and maybe pick up a project machine. I last saw him at the Lindbergh HS swap meet, where we had a great conversation – such a genuine guy with the best attitude about life. The world is that much less without his smile, but I am sure he is cracking jokes and making people smile in heaven.
Sending love from his work family @ IFPC