Elmer Coles Jr. III Bush

© Enid News and Eagle

09-10-2014

Submitted by: Glenn

© Enid News and Eagle

After a rapid onset of symptoms and brief catastrophic illness following surgery to a metastasized area on his spine, the husband of international opera singer Leona Mitchell has died of complications arising from previously un-diagnosed prostate cancer.

The Mitchell-Bush whirlwind romance began with a chance meeting at a Los Angeles production of Porgy & Bess, culminating in a romantic wedding and opulent reception in October 1979, hosted by members (and fans) of the J. Paul Getty Dynasty at the Getty Mansion (home-place) on San Francisco’s Nob Hill in California.

Elmer Coles Bush was married for 34 years to Enid’s own international opera star and Oklahoma cultural ambassador, Leona Mitchell. He was also Ms. Mitchell’s business manager, constant traveling companion and treasured friend for life.

Elmer Coles Bush Jr. III was born March 18, 1944, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Julia Jetabelle Williams Bush of Wilmont, Ark., and Elmer Coles Bush II. He was the oldest of three sons born of this union, brothers James and Michael followed after him.

A product of the Greater Los Angeles Unified School District, he attended Hooper Elementary School and Dorsey High School. Dr. Bush obtained his bachelor’s degree from California State University, his master’s from Pepperdine University, and he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the Aspen Christian College in Denver, Colo.

Elmer loved to sing. After auditioning for the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers and becoming a member, he traveled all over the world with them. On many government-sponsored tours, he sang in Africa, Dubai, Israel, Asia, Egypt, all over the USA and South America.

Leona and Elmer did all their traveling together. After five years, they welcomed a baby boy, Elmer Coles Bush IV. He is the couple’s only child and also traveled extensively with his parents, and upon occasion, found himself from time to time serving as a cast member in various opera production youth roles. Elmer home-schooled Elmer Jr. “EC” until he entered public school at the age of 12.

The Bush family’s main residence was Houston, Texas, after leaving their homes in New York and California.

In 2001, their little family moved back to Enid, Okla., to care for Leona’s ailing mother, Dr. Pearl Mitchell, after losing her husband (Leona’s dad) Dr. Hulon Mitchell.

Elmer became a substitute teacher with the Enid Public School System. He also served on the boards of the Enid Symphony and Leona Mitchell Southern Heights Heritage Center and Museum. Additionally, Elmer also was an advance information collecting volunteer for Harold Hamm’s Diabetes Center in Enid.

Public viewing will be 4-7 p.m Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 467 E. Owen K. Garriott Road. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Pastor Derwin Norwood and Pastor Baldwin are co-officiates. Following burial at Enid Memorial Cemetery, repast will be hosted by University Place Christian Church at 2107 E. Broadway, Enid, Okla. Funeral Service will be conducted by Grant and Owens Mortuary, 515 E. Maine, Ardmore, OK 73401. Enid Police Department will provide traffic assistance.

In response to numerous inquiries, the family of Dr. Elmer Bush specifies that; all flowers, donations and acknowledgements should be forwarded to University Place Christian Church [2107 E. Broadway]. Monetary donations or charitable contributions should be payable to University Place Christian Church in honor of Elmer Bush, c/o Leona Mitchell.

Additional Mitchell-Bush funeral service hotel arrangements at the chosen venue can be secured through Jeff Mitchell at the Crash Point Restaurant, 2931 North Fourth St., Enid, Okla., the family gathering location.

(Submitted by family)

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