Robert Bussey

Robert (“Bob”) F. Bussey was born on May 8, 1936, in Tabor, South Dakota to Walter and Lillian Bussey and passed away peacefully at home in Lakeside, California on February 7, 2022, following a short battle with lung cancer. Robert grew up in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, attending Springfield High School and Southern State Teachers College before enlisting in the United States Navy. 

Bob was first and foremost a proud military veteran, having served in the United States Navy for 20 years. He served on board the USS Atlas, Support Services in Vietnam, the USS Midway, the USS Buchanan, and the USS Okinawa. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 132 in Springfield, South Dakota, and was instrumental in the construction and dedication of the Veteran Memorial overlooking the Missouri River. Following his military retirement, he went on to work and retire from General Dynamics in San Diego. 

Bob met and married the love of his life, Katherine Louwerse in 1958 in Springfield. Together they built a life and family full of love, laughter, and adventure. They retired in San Diego and eventually found their way back home to South Dakota. They enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, going on cruises, golfing, and spending the winters with family in Florida and California. Affectionately called Bob by family and friends, he was an avid gun collector, an excellent marksman, and he enjoyed working with wood. Bob Bussey was a friend to all.

Bob leaves behind many close friends and a loving family – wife, Katherine; daughters Christine (Skip) Wamsley and Teresa Bussey; sisters Helen and Joan, granddaughters Renee, Tiffany and Jessica and 6 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Dorothy and George, and a precious grandson John. 

Family morale booster, jokester, storyteller, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. A life well lived is now and forever a loving memory etched upon our hearts. You are so incredibly missed and loved.

Robert's excellent skills in organization and knowledge of process and
procedures made him the asset for personnel to learn about Navy
occupations and opportunities for education and training.

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Good conduct (8), Expeditionary National
Defense Service (2), Vietnam Service, Sea Service (2), Republic of
Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation