Thomas James Bussell, 73, passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, doing something that he loved best, working outside, surrounded by nature and the trees he loved. His big heart beat its last, and he was immediately in the heaven that he so looked forward to.
Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Barb; his children: Ben (Carrie) Bussell, Louisville, Ky.; Claire (Kyle Beach) Bussell, Bloomington; Danny Bussell, Saint Augustine, Fla.; and Annie (Gabe Deall) Bussell, Mancos, Colo.; as well as grandchildren: Tegan, Elliot, Harvey and Henry. He also leaves behind brothers, Bill (Chris) Bussell, Jerry (Cheryl) Bussell; brother-in-law, Alan (Judy) Zielinski; and sister-in-law, Jackie (Tim) Sullivan; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom is now reunited with his mother, Norma; his father, Mervin; his brother, John; father-in-law, Leonard; and mother-in-law, Stel.
Born March 21, 1951, in Reed City, Mich., to Mervin and Norma Bussell, Tom grew up in Stanton, Mich., graduating salutatorian from Central Montcalm High School, where he was named “most sophisticated” and “most gentlemanly.” Tom attended Michigan State University, where he attained his bachelors and masters degrees in packaging engineering. In his dorm, he met his best girl, Barb Zielinski, who he married on Sept. 6, 1975. Tom and Barb, throughout their marriage were the biggest Spartan fans around, constantly sharing their crazy love of MSU.
After graduation, Tom took his first career job with Zimmer, in Warsaw as a packaging engineer, and later worked for Paragon Medical, as VP of engineering, and later in Sales.
Tom retired from Paragon in December of 2014, and was intent on enjoying his retirement years. The last ten years have been filled with taking a slow pace, smelling the roses, meeting dozens of friends for coffee, constantly reading, strengthening friendships and serving in many capacities at Presby, his beloved church home of over 40 years (Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church).
But mostly, Tom was the friend that everyone hopes to find in life. He was compassionate, thoughtful, humble, affectionate, generous and absolutely not wanting any accolades or fanfare. So many gifts and gestures were done anonymously, almost stubbornly so. He strived to keep those things between himself and God, who he loved so faithfully and deeply. Over cups of coffee, he listened to so many friends who needed to confide and unload, and absolutely took all confidences to his grave. He always wanted to keep the conversation on the other person’s needs, and not on himself. He was a man of sterling character, always visiting lonely friends, generously supporting causes that were meaningful to him, yet remaining happily in the background. Tom’s passions, other than his deep faith, were Barb, their four kids, who adored him, and his four grandkids, who’ll always be told stories of their amazing Papa.
Tom’s deep love for his children, and the ones they love, was something special to see. They all felt calm, cared for, beloved, and took his advice to heart, since it was always spot on. His favorite times were with Ben, Claire, Danny and Annie.
Tom’s absence leaves such a hole in the fabric of the community of friends he cultivated for 50 years. His quiet kindness and his accepting, non-judgemental ways will be missed by all who knew him. Tom has shown us how to live this life. It may be a cliche, but if Warsaw were Bedford Falls, Tom would be George Bailey, the richest man in town.
Friends and family are invited to share time with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Tom’s life will be celebrated with a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Dr. Erik F. Ohman and Pastor Aaron Klein. He will be laid to rest with a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church (warsawpresby.org), Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County (awl.com); Hannah Center (hannahcenter.org), Bloomington; or World Central Kitchen (wck.org)
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.