William Bust, age 86 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, March 15, 2025, at his residence in Highland, IL.
He was born on Monday, November 21, 1938, in Potosi, MO, the son of Robert and Barbara (nee Mayer) Bust.
He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of Lee Iten Post #439, American Legion, V.F.W. Post #5694, Highland National Association of Pastoral Musicians, National Association of Railroad Passengers, National Railroad Historical Association, Co-founder and member of the Gateway East Chapter of The American Guild of Organists.
In Bill’s early years, besides living in Potosi, he lived in Ada and Ardmore, Oklahoma. He attended the Catholic Seminary in Bethany, Oklahoma and at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee, OK, St. John Seminary and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas.
From September 5, 1961 to December 1, 1964 he served on active duty with the U.S. Army as Post Chaplain’s Assistant at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. His last assignment was as the Eight Army Chaplain’s Assistant in Eight Army Headquarters, Seoul, South Korea. He had over a year of duty overseas.
Upon completion of military service, he moved to Highland, IL, to work at the Wicks Organ Company, retiring as service manager after 53 years. In addition to his position at Wicks, he served St. Paul Parish in Highland as the past Minister of Music and organist for the St. Paul Mixed Choir. He served St. Paul parish as an organist for 50 years.
Among his many hobbies, his fascination with railroads would be first. He had a collection of over 300+ train plates and had a fall train city display in his basement. His book collection on trains and pipe organs is quite extensive, over 600+. Bill also enjoyed attending musical events, listening to classical music from his extensive recording collection, gardening, reading, cooking and travel. He has also spent much time restoring and maintaining the vintage 1905 home that he resided in since he first moved to Highland.
Survivors include:
- Life Partner of 50 years – Jerry L. Minchey, Highland, IL
- Brother – Robert A. (Special Friend Glenn Hendricks) Bust, Ardmore, OK
- Cousin – Joe Bust, Potosi, MO
- Cousin – Larry (Debbi) Cristman, Rice, MN
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Robert A. Bust – Died 4/19/1963
- Mother – Barbara M. Bust, nee Mayer – Died 2/9/1996
- Cousin – Margie L. Bust
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor and Fr. Joseph Harvillka, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church or HSHS Hospice.
