Edward Eugene Bush, 95, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026. He was born January 20, 1931, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late George Wilbert and Agnes Gertrude (Mollenkopf) Bush.
Edward was a proud member of the 1948 State Championship Massillon Tigers football team. On June 2, 1951, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Butterfield, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 73 years. Together, they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty.
Following high school, he answered the call of duty, serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home, Ed studied at the University of Kansas before moving to Ashland, Ohio, where he began his career as a teacher and coach. Edward carried his love of sports and mentoring into a remarkable 30-year career as a high school teacher and football coach. To generations of students and athletes, he was known simply as “Coach Bush”—a title he wore with pride.
Edward is survived by his children, Brenda Huffman (Alan) and John Bush (Tracy) ; his grandchildren, Jessie Wilfong, Christina Elizabeth Wilfong, Ian Bush (Autumn), Sean Bush, and Evan Christopher Bush ; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his oldest son, Bruce Bush; his sisters, Margaret Geraldine Daughenbaugh (Harold) and Donna Jean Miller (John) ; and his brother, Robert Wilbert Bush (Evelyn).
Known for his sense of humor, Edward had his own way of showing affection—if he teased you, you could be sure he liked you. He found peace and joy fishing with his buddies on Lake Erie.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Heyl Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, from 4–6 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.
Online condolences may be left for the Bush family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the Bush family with funeral arrangements.
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: www.heylfuneralhome.com