Charles Bussard

Charles (Buzz) Riggs Bussard, 87, went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2011. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.He was born in a farmhouse in Ijamsville, July 7, 1924, he was the son of the late Jesse Arby Bussard and Ruby Estelle Norwood Bussard.

He is preceded in death by brothers Earl Wilson and Jesse Wilson Bussard. Buzz grew up working on the family farm, due to a foot injury at a young age he was unable to pass the Armed Forces physical. In 1942, during WWII he went to work for the Glen L. Martin co. and helped assemble B-26 Fighter Bombers. After the war he began his journey as a Star Route Carrier delivering mail. He was also a bus driver for Blue Ridge Bus Lines. From 1949-1987 Buzz was Hahn’s only owner operator at the time then he sold his truck and became a company driver for the next 6 years until he retired in 1993. His CB handle was “Freddie Flinstone.” Buzz never truly retired because at the age of 86 he was still hauling and loading mulch for his sons at Bussard Brothers Landscape and Supply.

Buzz is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Alta Mae Strite Bussard. His former wife Christine Thelma Ferguson Amundson is the mother of his three children. Daughter Diane Mullendore and husband Clayton, sons Gary Bussard and wife Kathy and Rick Bussard and wife Glenda; grandchildren Brian Burall, Daniel Mullendore and wife Yukiko, Jennifer Mullendore, Michael Mullendore and wife Danielle, Ruth Mullendore, Brandy Bussard, Katie Bussard, Jessie Bussard, Jeremy Bussard, Jason Bussard and wife Sara; great-grandchildren Breana Burrall, Lorrie Burall, Chelsea Burall, Rina Mullendore, Eli Mullendore, Chasity Everly, Jazmine Bussard and Tyler Bussard; great-great-granddaughter Mykenna Tressler.

Buzz was one of the founding members of the New Life Four Square Church in Jefferson. He attended Locust Grove Church of the Brethren. His strong faith in the Lord was an inspiration to his entire family. Buzz always had a great sense of humor he wanted it written “Don’t send flowers when I die… Buy your mulch from Bussard Brothers Landscape and Supply.” He will be greatly missed by his family.

The family will receive friends at the New Life Foursquare Church, 5913 Jefferson Pike, Frederick on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 6-9PM and Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10-12PM where services will begin at 12PM. Pastor Dave Hendershot, Pastor Wayne Hall and Rev. Lloyd Fuss will officiate.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Garden.