Howard Leroy Buddy Bushnell

Howard Leroy "Buddy" Bushnell, 87, of Lake Charles died at 9:40 PM on Sunday, July 1, 2012 in a local hospital.

Mr. Bushnell was born on October 8, 1924 in Iota, LA and lived in Lake Charles for the past 64 years. He served in the U.S. Army as a decorated veteran of World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient. Mr. Bushnell retired from PPG after 35 years of service.

He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and was a long time member of Knights of Columbus. Mr. Bushnell was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Flossie P. Bushnell; a son, H.R. "Skip" Bushnell and wife Claudia of Lake Charles; a brother, Charles A. Bushnell of Texas; a sister, Grace Skinner of Texas; three grandchildren, Ronnie Bushnell and wife Missy, Mike Bushnell and wife Suzanne, and Tracie Kadlubar and husband Danny all of Lake Charles; five great grandchildren, Brittany, Michael, and Sarah Bushnell, and Gabby and Ally Kadlubar; and one great great granddaughter, Ava Bertrand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sophie and Howard Bushnell; and a sister, Patricia Austin.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church. The Rev. Wayne LeBleu will officiate. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Tuesday at 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 5:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM in the funeral home.