Bushar, Thomas A., 1964, Lt. USN (ret)

Thomas Allen Bushar, 1964

September 20, 1942 — November 14, 2024

Thomas Allen Bushar, age 82, of Asheville, NC, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at The Greens of Weaverville after a brave battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife of 57 years, Linda Bushar, their daughters, Leslie Morse and her husband Wes of Mills River, Amy Powell and her husband Will of Salem, VA, and Lauren Youngkin and her husband Ben of Asheville, his sister, Carolyn Highhouse of Mt. Carmel, IL, and his cherished grandchildren, Erin and Ali Scannell, Liam and Thomas Powell, and Isaac and Ellie Youngkin. He is also survived by his nieces, Adrienne Highhouse and Ginger Coronato, and his nephew, Jason Doolittle.

Tom was born on September 20, 1942, in Erie, PA, son of William and Jeanne Dougherty Bushar. He attended Penn State University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and later his Master’s Degree in Engineering Science. Penn State is where he met Linda on a blind date for a Sadie Hawkins Dance, and she knew he was the perfect man for her after he helped her with butterfly catching for her entomology class. Tom served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1966, retiring from the Navy as a Lieutenant. He began his career that same year with SKF in King of Prussia, PA. In 1974 he joined Kaydon Corporation in Muskegon, Michigan and moved there with his family. Tom was a hard worker and well-liked in the company and was eventually promoted to General Manager in 1983 in LaGrange, Georgia. While living in there, he was devoted to the “City In Schools” program and served as the Chairman of the Board for 16 years. He was also a member of the Lions Club.

After 26 years with Kaydon, he retired and pursued his love of singing and volunteering. He sang with the Sons of Lafayette Choral group, LaGrange Symphony Chorus, and The First Methodist Church Choir. He also served as the President of the Board of Trustees for the First Methodist Church in LaGrange. He loved playing guitar and sang with a folk group, The Re-Generation. In 2007 Tom and Linda moved to Asheville, NC to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Asheville turned out to be the perfect place for him to pursue his love of skiing, hiking, singing, and golfing. He was a member of the Asheville Ski Club in which he served as the editor of the Newsletter for 10 years. Tom was also a member of the Asheville Symphony Chorus, and he served as president for two years. He also contributed to creating the “Flash Mob,” which brought music of the holiday to the public. Tom had many adventures with the Reynolds Mountain Hiking group and enjoyed exercising with his neighbors and bantering with them. 😊 Tom lived life to the fullest and was never bored. He rarely ever complained, and this was evident in his battle with cancer. His strength of character, love of life, and genuine joy could be felt by all he encountered. His goofy antics and wide smile warmed hearts and his ability to make others laugh was always appreciated. He was a trusted counselor and a voice of reason, approaching life with both practicality and a sense of fun that made him a delight to be around. As a mentor and loving figure, he brought excitement and encouragement to those who knew him. Family was always his top priority throughout his life, and he always made time after work to play and spend time with his children. He remained playful, patient, and helpful as a Grandfather. He will be missed by all.

Tom’s family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at West Family Funeral Services, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, NC 28787.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Asheville Symphony Chorus, the Asheville Symphony, or the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.