Larry Lee Bushu

Larry Lee Bushu, 86, of Arcola, IL passed away at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at his residence.  Larry touched the lives of many during his time on this earth, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and dedication. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the First Christian Church, 311 East Main St., Arcola, IL.  Pastor Brent Budd will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery.

Larry was born on November 4, 1937 in Tuscola, IL.  He was the son of Ben “Benny” George and Emily Laura (McCann) Bushu.  He married Carol Ann Etzwiler on June 18, 1966 in Urbana, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Bushu of Arcola, IL, two children, Kevin Bushu and his wife Kelly of St. Joseph, MI, and Allison Phillips and her husband Mike of Arcola, IL, six grandsons, Joshua, Jacob, Justin and Jackson Bushu and Braden and Brody Phillips, one brother-in-law, Bob Vyverberg and his wife Mari of Peoria, IL, and a special cousin, Donna Butler of Rushville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Benita Vyverberg.

Larry graduated from Arcola High School in 1955.  Following graduation, he continued his education at University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago.  He completed his B.S. in Pharmacy in 1959.

Larry’s career began in 1959 as a pharmacist in Paris, IL for one year, he then went to work at Hood’s Pharmacy in Urbana, IL where he worked for 11 years. While working in Urbana, he was named the Champaign County Pharmaceutical Association President in 1965. In 1972 he continued his practice at Christie Clinic Pharmacy in Champaign, IL and in 1979 he became the pharmacy manager and pharmacist at Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Tuscola, IL.  In 1984 he purchased the Arrol Pharmacy in Arcola, IL which then became the Arcola Pharmacy. Larry was later named East Central Illinois Pharmaceutical Association President. Larry retired in 1997 at the age of 60, after he and Carol retired, they enjoyed going on cruises together.  

Larry was an active member of the community throughout his life, engaging in various organizations and leaving an indelible mark on Arcola and the surrounding areas.  He was a lifetime member of the Arcola First Christian Church where he served as an Elder and on the church board.  His leadership qualities led him to become the Champaign Urbana Jaycee President in 1963-1964 and then named one of Illinois’ Top Ten Jaycee Presidents in 1964.  When he returned to Arcola, Larry served as Cubmaster for Arcola Pack 96 Cub Scouts, Scoutmaster for Arcola Troop 88 Boy Scouts and Prairieland Council Boy Scouts advisory board member.  Larry served on the Arcola Zoning Commission, from 1981-1987, on the TIF Advisory Board and the Comprehensive Planning Committee.  In 1990 he was the Arcola Chamber President, he served on the Douglas County Crime Stopper Board.  Larry was a Life Member of the Arcola Foundation serving 19 years on the Board of Governors and five years as chairman.  He and Carol were named 1998 Broom Corn Festival Grand Marshals, and in 2014 Larry was named to the Arcola Distinguished Alumni. 

Outside of work, Larry enjoyed various hobbies that brought him much joy.  He enjoyed fishing; his family had a cabin at Lake Lawrence in Lawrenceville, IL where they spent many weekends boating and fishing for many years. Golfing with friends and family. He also cherished playing cards, with couple’s bridge and cribbage being among his favorites.  Larry was an avid Illinois fan, passionately following all the University of Illinois sports teams. 

However, Larry’s greatest happiness came from spending time with his grandsons.  Attending and watching every event they were involved in; Larry was their biggest fan.  Nothing gave him greater pleasure than witnessing their achievements and supporting them unconditionally. 

Larry excelled professionally, but his genuine connection with people truly set him apart.  He was known for always wearing a smile and extending kind inquiries even during challenging times.  He had an innate ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated.  Larry was a people person through and through, selflessly placing others at the center of his attention and ensuring they felt seen and heard.

Memorials may be made to the Arcola Christian Church or the Arcola Foundation in Memory of Larry Bushu, to establish a scholarship in his honor.