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YOUNGSTOWN -- Attorney Robert E. Bush Jr., 79, of Youngstown, transitioned from his earthly labor to his mansion in the sky on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at his home, with his family by his side.
Attorney Bush, affectionately known as "Bob," was born Aug. 11, 1947, in Youngstown, a son of Robert E. Sr. and Mildred Ravenel Bush.
Attorney Bush was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and received his Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. He also earned an undergraduate degree in Law Enforcement Administration and an associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Youngstown State University.
Attorney Bush had extensive work experience: he had been Executive Director with the Department of Job and Family Services; Chief Criminal Division with the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office, being responsible for prosecuting all types of felony crimes at the Common Pleas Court level; Chief of Police for the City of Youngstown; Director of Law for the City of Youngstown; Assistant Prosecutor for Mahoning County; Executive Director for the Youngstown Citizens Police Review Board; Adjunct Professor with Youngstown State University; Safety Coordinator for Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority; Inspector for the United States Postal Service; and Patrolman/Detective for the Youngstown Police Department.
"Bob" served four years with the United States Marine Corps. He was Helicopter Crew Chief and Gunner in the Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, 17 Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Medal for Valor in Combat. He was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Aircrewman Wings, Vietnam Service Ribbon and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. "Bob" served 18 months in the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team in the District of Columbia and served two years in the Marine Corps Reserves at New Castle, Pa. In 2014 he was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.
His community involvements included former member and past president of the Youngstown Board of Education; former president -- Board of Commissioners for Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority; Legal Adviser for Northwestern District United Holy Church of America, Inc.; former board member for the Beight Farm; former member of Protestant and Family Service Board of Trustees; and former board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown.
A faithful servant, respected counselor, distinguished leader and devoted member of The United Holy Church of America Inc. Deacon Robert E. Bush Jr. rendered a lifetime of service to God, the church and his community. His service reached every level of our church. In the General Church, he served as Parliamentarian, Legal Counsel and Chairman of the General Nominating Committee. Within The Northwestern District, he served as Legal Counsel, District Trustee, District Usher Treasurer and Financial Secretary, and Chairman of the Procedures and Election Committee. At his local church, Beulah Temple, he was an ordained Deacon and Chairman of the Deacon Board, Trustee, Usher President, church drummer and faithful member, serving wherever his gifts and presence were needed.
In Bob's pastime, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, biking, talking with people and was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.
Left to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, are his wife, the former Gwendolyn Steward, whom he married April 4, 1975; his children, Arthur (Crystal) Ward Jr., Monica Tyler, Keena Stringer, Bernice Bush, Thomas Bush and Tina Bush; Patrick Kelley, who was like a son to him; a niece, Shantell (Robert) Thomas; a nephew, Brian Reynold, whom he helped to raise; three sisters, JoAnn Carter, Kim (Charlie) Williams and Jessica Lively; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, other family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Bush.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at the L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home; and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Beulah Temple United Holy Church, 523 Griffith St., Youngstown, OH 44510.
A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10 a.m.
(special notice)