With profound sadness, the family of Walter V. Bussell, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, share his quiet passing on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 in Mansfield. He was 81.
Walter was born January 26th, 1943 to Laura and Walker Bussell in Sand Springs, KY. Walt spent his formative years living in Cincinnati, alongside his siblings. He spent some time in the Air Force then enrolling and graduating from Ohio University, a time in his life that he fondly recalled. After college, Walt went to work for Rubbermaid and it was then that he met Carolyn, a marriage that would happily last the rest of his life. Always an entrepreneur, Walt went on to found and run several companies in the plastics industry. One of those last drew him to Mansfield, where he lived with his family for 37 years.
Walt was so much more than a simple biography though. He and Carolyn built a life together. He was a fantastic story and joke teller, an enthusiastic woodworker, and an endless dispenser of treats for his grandkids. Incredibly smart, Walt always was a voracious reader and could always see through to the truth of a situation. An avid golfer his entire life, he even placed among the amateurs in the Prince of Morocco’s invitational golf tournament in 1983. Always gregarious, his passing will certainly leave a small army of servers, bag boys, barbers, mechanics, and other strangers who will only know of his passing by the lack of friendly banter in their days. More than anything, though, he was a devoted family man. He doted on his wife, sometimes getting her several options at Christmas so she could pick the perfect one. They shared something special, and their love never waned, even after 48 years. Finally, Walt adored his children. He freely offered affection, assistance, comfort, companionship, and advice, and his passing leaves a hole in all of their hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (née Saylor), sister, Cathy (John) Schott, children Jeffrey Harper, Steven (Danielle) Bussell, Stacey (Rob) Hetler, and Matthew Bussell. Additionally, he is survived by 8 grandchildren: Nathan, Brianna, Katelyn, Marissa, Benjamin, Madeline, Ryan, and Mallory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walker and Laura (née Evans), and siblings, Aileen and Thomas.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 21st from 2 to 4pm with a service following at 4pm officiated by Celebrant Dave Roberts. All services will take place at the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com