Donald Dean Busch, 78, was born August 13,1947, to Fred and Ethel Busch in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. He departed this life at his home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on August 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was united in marriage on August 10, 1982, to Bonita Taylor.
Donald is survived by his three daughters, Tracee Busch of Springfield, Mo., Libby Watson of Pocahontas, Ar., and Marcia Kerley and husband Tony of Mammoth Spring, Ar.; 7 grandchildren Bailey Frankenberger (Scoob), Tristan Thompson, Ethan Frankenberger (McKenzie), Maddy and husband Braden Hufstedler, Jarrett Thompson, Ally Kerley, and Drew Dunnivant; a great granddaughter Brynlee Higginbotham, brother Freddie Busch and wife Judy of Pevely, Mo.; brother in-laws Terry Taylor and wife Peggy, and David Taylor and wife Nancy both of Myrtle, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews and special friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Bonita Busch; parents Fred and Ethel Busch; infant sister Marie Arlene; mother and father in-law Gordon and Jean Taylor; and son in-law Jeff Watson.
Whether he was teaching in the classroom, cheering on the Cardinals and his grandkids, or crafting something from wood, Donald lived fully and loved deeply — especially when it came to his family. He will be remembered as a hard worker, dedicated, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile for others. Above all, he was a faithful member of the Lord’s Church.
Funeral service for Donald Busch, age 78, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
Pallbearers: Freddie Allen Busch, Johnny Busch, Ethan Frankenberger, Braden Hufstedler, Scoob Higginbotham, and Drew Dunnivant
Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Hurtt, Sonny Brown, and Danny Busch
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorials to be sent to the Children’s Home Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, Arkansas, 72450
August 25, 2025 @ 12:29 pm
Don was loved and treasured by so many… He loved God, his family and life…. May God comfort and strengthen you all during this time with wonderful, happy memories. James and I are here if there is anything you need. Much love and hugs….
August 25, 2025 @ 12:45 pm
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for comfort.
August 25, 2025 @ 2:29 pm
prayers are sent to his family. He was one of favorite teachers @Pocahontas High School. i am sorry for your loss Fly High Mr B
August 25, 2025 @ 3:11 pm
Donald was such a good friend since we were in the first grade. We have so many good memories together with our Mammoth Spring Class of 1965 that I will treasure always. He was always laughing and cutting up having a good time and would help any of us with whatever was needed. He was our class president all through our junior high and high school years with vice president our senior year. We also attended Mammoth Spring church of Christ together. Prayers for his family that God will give you comfort and peace as only He can.
August 25, 2025 @ 6:13 pm
Mr Busch will always have a special place of love and respect from the class of MSHS 1981.
He not only was a sponsor but a true friend to us all. He will be missed by so many from The Hill. ❤️
August 25, 2025 @ 6:54 pm
Have memories from childhood of being with both Donald and Bonita and the Busch cousins. Seems like a lifetime ago. Sending love and prayers to all my Busch family. Donald was loved by all of us and will be dearly missed. Keep his memories in your heart and will always be near.c
August 26, 2025 @ 6:48 am
Donald and I have been buddies since second grade and have shared the ups and downs and the good and not so good times life has brought us through the past 70+ years. Everyone should have as good a friend as I have had with Donald. He will be missed by many.
August 26, 2025 @ 8:33 am
Marcia, Tony, Ally, Maddy & Braden,
My Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of Marcia’s Father, Donald. I will be keeping all of you in my daily thoughts and prayers. May God provide peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement to each of you daily now and in the weeks to come. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Amber Redburn
August 26, 2025 @ 3:11 pm
Marcia, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. Much love, Randy and judy
August 27, 2025 @ 10:02 am
Sorry for your loss, Marcia. You are in our prayers
August 27, 2025 @ 4:19 pm
Donald Busch has been a precious friend of mine since first grade. It is hard to imagine a world without him. I remember his laugh and sense of humor. As part of the family of the Class of 1965, he will forever be missed. Our class keeps getting smaller and much too soon. My prayers are with the family.
August 28, 2025 @ 12:04 pm
Don was joy to be around—always enjoying life. I was honored to work with him at Pocahontas Schools.