Michael Vanderbush, Sr.

1959 ~ 2022

Date of Death: July 16, 2022

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Vanderbush family. Michael’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Michael D. Vanderbush, Sr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Michael D. Vanderbush, Sr. was a gift from God on Sunday, November 22, 1959 to Ann Masterson and the late Donald Vanderbush in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was likewise called by God to take his eternal rest on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was also preceded in death by Deborah Ann Dodd.

Michael received his GED and he later enlisted in the United States Army. He served from Friday, December 17, 1976 until Tuesday, December 17, 1991 and he achieved many accomplishes while serving. He was a part of the U.S. Jump School, Ranger School, Snipper School, Jungle Training Center, Path Finder School, Guerrilla Warfare, P.O.W. and Desert Training Infantry. He received the Jungle Expert Patch, the Snipper Ribbon and the Jumper Master Wings for over 53 jumps (Media Badge). He also had Air Assault Training, Cross Training Combat, Advanced EMT Training and Explosive Training. He was a Drill Sargent.

Michael had a good heart and was friends to many people. He would also help anyone in need. His friends knew him as “Mike or Senior”. He was also called “Papa” by his grandchildren. Michael remembers him being called “Big Bird” in the Army by the men. They would never miss his face and he would always laugh about it. He will be greatly missed by all who adored and appreciated him throughout his lifespan.

Michael will be forever cherished and remembered by his mother: Ann Masterson of Salt Lake City, Utah; his two sons: Michael, Jr. of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Marc Vanderbush of Del Ray Beach, Florida; a daughter (baby-girl): Melissa Vanderbush of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his sister: Jenni Vanderbush-Frayer of Salt Lake City, Utah; his two step-sons: Daniel Lenik of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Will Rogers of Atlanta, Georgia; his step-daughter: Amanda Lenik of Atlanta, Georgia; eleven grandchildren: Zander, Dallas, Canden, Kobe, Kavin, Kaveonna (aka “Sunshine”), Micah, Chris, Jenna, Devin and Amyiah; three great-grandchildren: Xa’Yven and Alizia Frazier and Zyaire Crisp, many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, July 25, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be held Monday, July 25, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Committal service and final resting place will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.