Odis Kent Bush

Kent was born in Bakersfield CA and was a proud Class of “71” South High Graduate.  At the age of 19 Kent married his wife of 50 years Elaine, who is by far his favorite person.  Kent was a Supervising Butcher at Kern Valley Packing for many years, until their close. Recently he retired from KHSD where he worked 13 years as Security at Frontier High School.  As an accomplished weightlifter Kent has won numerous awards and titles including; holding California and World Deadlift records for his Class and being a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee.  In addition to this Kent also earned a Black Belt in Karate.  As a great lover of God’s creation, Kent enjoyed to hike, camp, kayak, bicycle, explore and admired ALL animals.  A passion for animals often got “Kenny” in trouble, he too often brought home another puppy, wanted to visit every zoo and sanctuary he came across, and to his mom’s dismay had a pet alligator under his bed. Though Kent loved all of these things, he loved Jesus most followed by his family.  His favorite pastimes were trips with family and teasing his granddaughters.  Kent will be missed by family and friends for his unconditional love and friendship, generosity, kindness, patience, and the best steak and homemade Ice Cream ever.  He was preceded in death by his parents Odis and Fern (Gause) and brother Raymond.  Kent is survived by his wife Elaine, Son Mike (wife Lara), granddaughters Kari and Maci, Sister Carol Strange (husband Frankie) and Sister in Law Ramona Bush all of Bakersfield, his beloved Lawson family, many nieces and nephews, and several “adopted” granddaughters.

The Bush family would like to say thank you to the many people who prayed, called, visited, brought food, and listened over the last few weeks and years, your thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.  We want to especially thank Terry Lawson-Wright for your ongoing help, support, and sharing the USC appointment trips with us.

Services will be held at Doughty Calhoun O’Meara Funeral Home Saturday July 10th at 10am.