Dan Dee Bushnell, known by his friends and family as Dee, was born May 12, 1932 in Speed, Kansas to Clarence and Dora Bushnell. His mother passed away when he was just an infant and he was taken into the home of Leck and Christine Davis (Dora's sister) who gave him his sister, LeeAnn. He attended twelve years at the Logan schools. He was active in all sports - basketball, football, and track – and excelled at all of them.

Right after high school he started his first job helping build the elevator in Logan. He soon was hired by Cities Service Oil Company where he worked in the oil fields for 42 years, retiring on July 1, 1993 at the age of 61-1/2. He always loved his job, in part for allowing him to work on the beautiful Kansas prairie with the wildlife in their natural setting.

On June 1 of 1952, Dee married Thelma Wallgren. The marriage was blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Dana, and they were honored to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2002 (this year, 2010, would have been 58 years).

Life with Dee and Thelma was exciting, Dee was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska during his two-year tour in the Army and Thelma was able to be with him there until he was discharged.

Their daughter, Dana, married John Dalton in 1979 and gave them three granddaughters: Sarah, Scarlet and Stacy. Granddaughter Stacy blessed them with their first great-grandchild, Aubrey Dee, on September 12, 2009. Their daughter, Lisa, married Jack Littrell in 1983 and blessed them with two more grandchildren, Richard and Emily. The grandkids were a blessing in Dee's life every day, as well as his daughters and sons-in-law.

Dee was an active member of the Logan community, dancing in the Logan Centennial Pageant with his lively wife Thelma. He was a volunteer fireman for 35 years, served on the Roberts Place Board, and held every position available at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. He was a friend, helper and caregiver to many in the neighborhood and community.

Dee was an avid Logan Trojan supporter and KU fan, attending many football and basketball games with his family and friends. The Big 12 basketball tournament was always a highlight. He was well known for his hunting and fishing prowess, but his true passion was CARDS. Wherever Dee and Thelma were, some kind of card game would break out. It could be Pitch, Texas Hold 'Em, Bridge or Pinochle, and a good time would always be had by all.

Another highlight of Dee and Thelma's life together was their many trips. There was no place they would not venture. A month in the northeast, clear to Nova Scotia and Niagara Falls, and the northwest from Seattle (at brother Jack's house) to San Francisco. Many family trips to Colorado and trips to Oklahoma floating down the river were great fun. The biggest trip took them across the big pond to the UK. They went through England and Scotland with Bill, Peggy, and Helen. Dee showed his cheesy grin for a picture taken on the 18th hole at St. Andrews golf course.

Running was another activity he embraced, participating in many races and setting records for his age group all over the state. He enjoyed the many friends and the camaraderie for over 20 years. One of his favorite training routes was along the Solomon River near his boyhood home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and foster parents. Last November he was
heartbroken to lose his daughter, Dana.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma, of the home in Logan; daughter, Lisa Littrell & husband, Jack, of Lee Summit, MO; brother, Bill Bushnell, of Speed, KS; sister, LeeAnn Henry of Houston, TX; stepsister, Zelda Wallgren, of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Dee was loved by every person who ever knew him - family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We feel blessed and privileged to have known him and will cherish our memories.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 in the Logan Christian Church with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial followed in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan, followed by an inurnment for his daughter, Dana Dalton.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Logan Manor or the Logan Firemen/ E.M.T.