Deacon Earnest L. Bush

Earnest Lander Bush was born to the late Birdie and Edward Bush on the 23^rd of August, 1940 in Rienzi Mississippi, Earnest was the oldest of five siblings, Frank, Gloria, Nancy and Jimmy. 

Earnest and two other siblings accompanied their parents and moved to Denver in the 1950s. His uncle Amos and his wife were located in Colorado by themselves, and invited Birdie and Edward to come to the state as well. He attended Cole Junior High and Manual High School in Denver where he excelled in basketball (rebounder) and was given the nickname “tree” due to his height. 

In his early adulthood, he met and had interest in his next-door neighbor Dorothy Jean Reese, and they began dating. After some time, Earnest realized he found the 'one’ and they married on August 24^th, 1965, at the Denver County Courthouse. Earnest had always aspired to own his own home despite living on his wife’s friend’s property. So, by saving any extra income as well as loose change, he surprised his wife and purchased their own home in 1968 while Dorothy and two year old Sonja were away visiting relatives. 

Earnest loved taking care of people. As a bus driver for the State of Colorado at Wheatridge Regional Center, he transported mentally and physically disabled students to their therapy sessions. After serving faithfully for almost 30 years, he retired while his daughters were still in school. Outside of working hours, Earnest enjoyed riding his silver blue Harley Davidson motorcycle and tending to his lawn and garden at home where he took pride in growing potted petunias and a vegetable garden every year. As a result of his diligent gardening work, his neighbors took notice and one year he won the award for “best manicured lawn” in the Walnut Hill neighborhood. Earnest appreciated adventures, long road trips with family, and showing landmarks to visitors.  A cherished memory is taking his girls to the park after church to enjoy black walnut ice cream from Dolly Madison Ice Cream Shoppe. 

In addition to loving his family, Earnest loved the Lord and his church. After giving his life to Christ as early as five years old, His life began to emulate Christ's character. He was a member of Central Baptist Church for 59 years. There, he sang in the choir and the male chorus, served as Deacon and Chairman of the Deacon Board, was a member of the Senior Warriors, pastoral search committee, benevolence committee, and taught men’s Sunday school for several years. 

One of his favorite positions was serving as a Deacon.He faithfully visited ill and incapacitated members. He delighted in reading the scripture and praying with them. Deacon Kenneth Adams, a close friend of his stated that he I will always cherish the memories of Deacon Bush being a spiritual mentor and guiding him on the duties of the office of a Deacon.  

When asking others their thoughts on Earnest Bush, majority commented that he was an all-around good person who would not hesitate to help out. He was regarded as reliable, trustworthy, and loved by all who knew him. Earnest is known for selflessly helping others from the shadows. Today we celebrate the life of a humble, faithful and diligent servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Earnest Lander Bush passed away on the morning of March 22^nd, 2024 in his home after living a full life of 83 years.   Although stricken with a cancer diagnosis in 2020, he underwent his first and only surgery in 2021 and was healthy for much of his life. 

He is preceded on death by his parents, Birdie and Edward Bush; siblings, Frank, Gloria and Nancy. He is survived by his brother; Jimmy; two daughters Sonja Latrice and Kendra Denise and granddaughter. Maya Faith.  

“I imagine God exclaiming “Earth had Earnest for 83 years, I have him for eternity” - Jimmy C Bush