Douglas W. Bush

Douglas W. Bush, 64, of Washington, passed away after a two-year fight with cancer, Monday, October 9, 2023, in the Washington Hospital with his family and long-time friends at his side.  He passed just as he lived, with intention.

Douglas was born June 20, 1959, in Washington, a son of the late Clifford and Clara Boldon Bush.

Doug was a 1977 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School where he was a standout athlete in football and wrestling and attended Williams College in Williamstown, MA.

He loved his tropical fish that filled his six aquariums and his many plants in his home and even more at the mission. He and his cousin Terri Bush-Brown made an annual pilgrimage to a nursery every year to replenish.  He was an avid reader and watched and would not be interrupted during Jeopardy every day and he frequently knew the answers. He loved participating in the community drum circle.

Douglas loved to travel. He annually visited Martha’s Vineyard and his cousin Cheryl Williams in Jacksonville, FL. He called his longtime friend Doug Young every Christmas Eve since they met over 60 years ago. 

Doug’s life centered around his love of the Lord and bringing God’s word to all.  He was a member of the Legacy Church International and was Pastor at Legacy Recovery Church.  Doug worked with the Observer Reporter for 12 years delivering Newspapers and called it his duty of washing feet.  He did it for exercise and for the community and always sent a text message morning devotion after he finished the route. He spent over 24 years with the Washington City Mission.  Early on as a place to stay, but as time evolved, so did Doug.  In those years, he served as Donations Manager, Director of Operations and most recently as Paul’s House Coordinator and most importantly to Doug - Chaplain.  Doug’s mission was to heal and restore the homeless to independent living without judgement or discrimination.  He let God touch people through him and brought hope to all who met him through his presence and testimony.  For his dedication and humanitarian actions, Doug received the Washington County Community Foundation - Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award in February 2023.  He was also presented with the Resurrection Power- Faith and Community Award in April 2023.  He was instrumental in work with many agencies that served individuals in recovery and was an active participant in 12 step recovery fellowships.  He shared messages of hope that have been heard around the globe.

Left to cherish his memory are a sister, Patricia R. Bush and her husband William H. McAfee of Washington D.C.; his significant other Lydia Taylor; nephew, Kaz McAfee (Alexis); niece, Lena McAfee Young (John); great niece and nephews, Mariah, Shane, Carter and John; two uncles, John Bush (Chris) of Las Vegas, NV and Billy Joe Bowen of Washington D.C.; aunt, Virginia Boldon of Fort Washington, MD; and many loving cousins, friends and believers.

He loved everyone unconditionally.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Friday, in the Life Church, corner 100 N. Main St., Washington, PA 15301, where services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023, with Rev. Lance Whitlock officiating.  Interment will be private.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to City Mission or Legacy Recovery Church in Doug’s name in lieu of flowers.  Donations may be sent to City Mission at 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301 designated to the Doug Bush Memorial Fund or Legacy Recovery Church, 144 South Wade Ave., First Floor/Apartment 1, Washington, PA 15301.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.

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