A lifelong resident of Bogalusa, Ernest Claude Bush was born Feb. 17, 1929. At the age of 90 years, Claude peacefully left this world on Aug. 27, 2019, at the home of his granddaughter, Tera Bush Holmes.

Claude was married to the love of his life, Floy Dell Stafford, in 1950. They celebrated 55 years of marriage before her death in 2005. In 2007, he married Susan Batton Sumrall. She was his loving companion until her death in 2017.

He is survived by one son, Greg (Delaine) and granddaughter Tera Bush (Brent) Holmes, and great-grandson Brady. Claude is also survived by his only remaining sibling, Newell Bush and sister-in-law Mary Bush Meighen, sister-in-law Brenda (Charles) Peterman, sister-in-law Joy Stafford plus many nieces and nephews.

Claude lost his 14-year-old daughter, Claudia Dell, in 1966. Six brothers, Alfred “Shorty,” A. C. Jr., Clarence, Cecil, infant brothers Lional Lloyd, Arthur Joseph and his only sister Alma Bush Pittman predeceased him. He was the son of Alban C. Bush Sr. and Lonie Thornhill Bush.

Claude worked at the Bogalusa Paper Mill as a pipefitter for 38 years until his retirement in 1994. During that time he served as union shop steward and later as President of Local 189 of the United Paperworkers International Union. Claude also served on the board of Zellco from 1974 to 2016. For a number of years he held the position of President.

After his retirement he became the court bailiff at the Washington Parish Court in Franklinton, a position he enjoyed and at which he was well respected.

Traveling the country was one of his favorite pastimes. He toured 47 of the 50 states. Of all the places he visited, he would frequently return to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

Claude will be greatly missed by many who loved him.

Services celebrating Mr. Bush’s life were held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa. Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation continued on Friday, Aug. 30, at 9 a.m. until the funeral service began at noon. Interment followed at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

Condolences and memories may be shared on the Poole-Ritchie website at: www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.