CONOVER, N.C. - Thomas Lee DeBusk Sr., 79, of Conover passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Carolina Caring in Newton surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 18, 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa to Charles and Marion DeBusk. He graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degree from the University of Iowa. He also pursued his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught for many years at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisc. as well as Lakeland College, until his retirement in 2005.
Upon his retirement, they moved to Conover where he continued his passion for teaching, working part time at Western Piedmont Community College and Caldwell Community College.
He had a passion for reading, classic cars, music, and collecting books and many other things. He also was a member of SCV.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marion (Wallman) DeBusk, his in-laws, Julius and Elsie Thompson, and his brother-in-law Robert Thompson.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years, Diane (Thompson) DeBusk; sons Thomas Jr. (Mary), DeForest, Wisc., Jon (Ayako), Lemoore, Calif.; daughter Melissa Ward (Chuck), Hickory; grandchildren: Brendan, Ryan, and Logan DeBusk; Tyler, and Sierra Ward; and Lara and Mira DeBusk.
Burial will be in Eau Claire, Wisc. at a later date.
Special thanks to Carolina Caring in Newton for all the wonderful care and support.
Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Condolences may be sent to the DeBusk family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com
Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the DeBusk family.
