Serge Eugene Bushong passed away on Sunday, October 16th, in Wheaton, Illinois. He was 91. Mr. Bushong was born on April 17, 1925, in St. Mary's, Ohio. Shortly before turning eighteen, he joined the navy and served on the USS Jeffers DD 621 destroyer during the Normandy invasion. His ship also engaged the Japanese during the invasion of Okinawa. The Jeffers was credited with shooting down the first "baka" bomb, 2000 pounds of TNT. Participating in both theaters during World War ll, the Jeffers became a highly decorated ship. Serge remained close to many of his shipmates through the years, organizing and participating in periodic reunions. Following his war service, Mr. Bushong moved to Chicago. After a year in art school, he changed career paths and joined American United Life Insurance Company. There he met and married the love of his life, Norma Eleanor, and moved his growing family to Indianapolis. In 1967, Petroleum Energy Production Corporation was established. PEPCOR was an oil and gas company involved in all aspects of exploration and drilling. Their primary area of focus was in southern Illinois and northeast Ohio. In the late eighties, Mr. Bushong embarked on a second career as a school bus driver. As a result of his experiences, he co-authored Student Behavior Management, a practical, hands-on guide to assist drivers in safely transporting their students. Serge loved planes and when not flying them he built them. Through the years he constructed many radio-controlled planes. In his mid-eighties, he was made an honorary member of the DuPage Flying Club. Artistically gifted, Mr. Bushong sang in the U.S. Navy Bluejacket Choir, could pick out the notes of a song on the harmonica, sketch portraits and build the perfect igloo. He loved a good story as much as telling a goofy joke. Serge is survived by his beloved second wife, Irena. The core of his life was family and the time he spent with them, be it carving his signature pumpkin, flying kites, or playing cards while teaching his children, Andrea (John) Vaughan, Glenn (De) Bushong and Brian (Kathy) Bushong how to count to 21. He has seven grandchildren: Ashley, Taylor, Josh, Eleanor, Sophia, Eva and Isabella. His great-grandchildren are Braydon, Kaden, Jake, Sophya, Charlotte, Alivia, and Hadley. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Norma (Bordner) and his brother, Robert. Mr. Bushong's family is hosting a "Celebration of Life" gathering for relatives and friends who wish to honor a life well loved and lived in the Atrium at Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL on Thursday, October 27th, 6:30 pm. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Veterans organization of your choice.