Stephen Craig Bush, 69, of Orange, Texas, passed away on November 10, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas.
Visitation will be held prior to the services beginning at 12:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on August 11, 1957, he was the son of Larry Gene Bush and Wanda Elaine DeLord Kelley. Steve was a 1975 graduate of Bridge City High School and dedicated 36 years of his career to the paper mill, working as a power plant supervisor at International Paper, also known as Temple-Inland.
Steve was a Christian who was baptized in the Baptist church. Although he attended church less frequently in his later years, his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, never wavered. He always believed in the promise of eternal life and held steadfast to his belief that he would one day be welcomed into Heaven. We find comfort in knowing that he is now rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with his grandparents, parents, and little brother, who had been watching over him all these years.
Growing up, Steve enjoyed duck hunting alongside his father, creating memories that would stay with him throughout his life. He also developed a lifelong love for race cars and drag racing. For approximately 15 years, much of his free time was spent at the drag strip, helping as pit crew and watching his brother-in-law, Keith, race his father's cars.
The family had two white Camaros of the same body style: an original 1982 Camaro, which Keith wrecked in 2002, and a 1989 Camaro that was purchased afterward and built as its successor.
During those racing years, Steve also purchased a maroon 1969 Corvette race car, which they ran at the track for a time. Drag racing was a special part of his life, bringing together family, friendship, and a love for fast cars.
In his later years, Steve treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished the time spent making memories with those he loved. He will be remembered not only for his hard work and love of racing, but also for the memories, stories, and love he leaves behind with his family.
One of the things he was most looking forward to was meeting his soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Vivienne Ruiz. He had hoped to live long enough to see her, and although he will not get to hold her here, she will forever know that her great-grandfather was eagerly awaiting her arrival. She is the baby sister of his great-grandson, River Ruiz.
He is preceded in death by his father, Larry Gene Bush; his mother, Wanda Elaine DeLord Kelley; and his brother, Joseph Eugene Bush.
He is survived by his children, Christina Ruiz (Chris) of Jasper, Texas; Christopher Bush of Beaumont, Texas; Melissa Johnson (Devon) of Waskom, Texas; and Haleigh Chabert (Jeremy) of Larose, Louisiana.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Ruiz and wife Preslie, Hunter Ruiz, Reagan Armstrong, Ryan Ford, Benjamin Choate, and Samuel Chabert; his great-grandson, River Ruiz; and his soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Vivienne Ruiz.
Other survivors include his sister, Terry Decuir (Keith); nephew, Tony Gillis; stepmother, Betty Bush; stepsister, Beth Gathright (Paul); and stepbrother, John Covey (Mary Ann).
Pallbearers
Christopher Bush, Chris Ruiz, Tyler Ruiz, Hunter Ruiz, Benjamin Choate, Jeremy Chabert, and Devon Johnson.
Honorary Pallbearers
Samuel Chabert, Ryan Ford, Reagan Armstrong, and Tony Gillis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve's memory to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. May these contributions help bring hope to other families facing the challenges of cancer and support the continued fight toward a cure.