Monsignor Robert N. Bush, former longtime priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abilene, died at the age of 81 on Jan. 17, 2025, in Abilene.

Msgr. Bush was pastor of Sacred Heart for 23 years, from 1996 to 2019, when he was reassigned by Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo to a role of Reduced Active Ministry at St. Anthony and St. Joseph Parishes in Odessa. Read related story.

His parents were James Victor Bush and Marie Aline Delahoussaye. He was born in Waco, Texas, on July 5, 1943, and is survived by his sister, Patricia Vandecapelle and her husband Hector.

Msgr. Robert Bush

Msgr. Bush attended St. Mary Seminary in Houston; Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri; and was ordained as a Catholic priest on June 5, 1969, at St. Mary Queen of Peace in Brownwood. He served in the following parishes: Sacred Heart, Abilene; St. Joachim and Ann, Clyde; St. Mary, Odessa; Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Angelo; Good Shepherd, Crane; Sacred Heart, McCamey; St. Joseph, Stanton; St. Isidore, Lenorah; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Big Spring; and St. Joseph/St. Anthony, Odessa. He retired from active ministry in August 2023.

During his 55 years of service as a priest in the Diocese of San Angelo, Msgr. Bush served in many positions and capacities. He was the director of SEARCH retreat program for over 50 years as well as serving on the College of Consultors, Secretariat of the Cursillo Movement, Diocesan Finance Council, Diocesan Catholic Schools Commission, and the Diocesan Charismatic Movement.

Services will be as follows:

Abilene, Sacred Heart Church: Monday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. Service and Rosary, with viewing

San Angelo, Sacred Heart Cathedral: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. Vigil and Rosary, with viewing. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass, followed by interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in San Angelo. A meal will be served at Sacred Heart Cathedral after the burial.

Memorial donations may be made to the Seminary Endowment of the Diocese of San Angelo.