Fredrick 'Fred' Gordon Bush of Harrisburg

Fredrick "Fred" Gordon Bush, 73, of Harrisburg passed away at 3:33 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

Fred was born Nov. 22, 1949, in Harrisburg to the late Ownly and Ruth (Vinyard) Bush. On April 3, 2011, he married Ellen Lambert Dyhrkopp, and she survives in Harrisburg.

Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army stationed for two years in Germany. Fred was a working member of the UMWA for 12 years. He then taught fabrication at Southeastern Illinois College and from there he worked as a service engineer for Southeastern Illinois College. Fred was a patriot and proud supporter of the NRA; he was also a member of the American Legion and Southern Illinois Hawg Hunters. Fred was also a member of the Pankeyville Baptist Church, where he humbly served his church as a deacon. He also taught at Vacation Bible School, and often sang during services.

Fred was an outdoorsman. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper. He also loved hunting ginseng. He was loved deeply by his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a dad and grandfather to many that he "didn't have to be."

Fred is survived by his wife, Ellen Bush of Harrisburg; seven children, Jacob Bush of Marion, Emily Patterson and husband David of Tucson, Ariz., Kaitlin Mitchell of Harrisburg, Karrigan Bush of Nashville, Tenn., Douglas Dyhrkopp and wife Jennifer of Shawneetown, Kara Brass of Mt. Vernon, Ind., and Aaron Dyhrkopp and wife Jessica of Shawneetown; 14 grandchildren, Jake, Heidi, Cora, Denver, Asher, Brayden, Anthony, Lauren, Benjamin, Olivia, Barrett, Ansley, Maverick and Joslyn; brother John Bush and wife Debbie of Harrisburg; special sister-in-law Cindy Hughes, who never let him go hungry; special nieces Amy Bush and Courtney Rentfro; uncle Richard Vinyard and wife Barbara of Harrisburg; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a brother, Barney Bush.

Funeral services for Fredrick "Fred" Gordon Bush were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Donnie Hughes and Rev. Ernie Fowler officiated. Burial followed at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Stricklin Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pankeyville Baptist Church. Condolences may be left for the family on his obituary page at stricklinfuneralhome.com.