Walter M. Bush

Walter M. Bush, 77, of Knightstown, passed away Friday, May 24, 2013 at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born June 20, 1935 in New Castle the son of Dr. Ralph R. and Ada Janet (Morris) Bush.

A 1953 graduate of Knightstown High School, Walter attended both Ball State and Indiana University prior to military service. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corp in 1976 following 20 years of service, which included being a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam.
An avid reader and scholar, Walt earned his BA degree from Chapman College in California in 1969.

Walter was passionate about learning and engaging in new endeavors. He had a photography studio and became a portrait photographer; a finish carpenter; a general contractor; and a musician. During high school and college, Walt took advanced drum lessons and won the Indiana State Champion. Throughout his life he continued to play in various bands. He loved music, especially jazz and opera, and enjoyed reading. He was very proud to be a Hoosier and while living in California would host Hoosier Days on Race Day.

Throughout his life, Walter was interested in Buddhism and Asian studies. Most recently, he studied under various masters and became a meditation teacher in both Indianapolis and West Lafayette. He was instrumental in finding a home for the Indiana Buddhist Center and in bringing His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dali Lama of Tibet to Indianapolis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 31 years: JoAnn Bush of Knightstown; children: Elizabeth (Michael) Sweeney of San Francisco, CA; Emily (Michael Wolk of Orange, CA; Janet (Yudy) Vinograd of Laguna Beach, CA; Jennifer (companion: Tami Hazen) Bush of Tigard, OR; Walter (Tamra) Bush of Beaverton, OR; grandchildren: Matthew Cottingham of Sea Side, CA, Michael Cottingham of Irvine, CA, Bobby Vinogard, Rachel Vinogard, Jordyn Vinogard, Elijah Vinogard and Ethan Vinogard all of Laguna Beach, CA; Benjamin Wolk of Orange, CA; Jase Ferris of Portland, OR; siblings: Sarah (Fred) Gladden of The Woodlands, TX; Joel Bush of Mena, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 – 6 PM Friday, May 31, 2013 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel. Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Buddhist Center, 9260 E 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may express a condolence or share a memory of Walter at www.hinsey-brown.com .