Jerald Allen Bushman was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on March 27, 1931, to Herschel and Pearl (Pittman) Bushman. Jerald passed from this earthly life to his heavenly home on April 8, 2021, at his home in Enid, Oklahoma, at the age of 90 years and 12 days.

A memorial service will be held at Enid Maine Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m., with burial following at 4:00 p.m. at the Alva Municipal Cemetery. Visitation with family will be at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Monday, April 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Jerald grew up on the family farm near Blackwell, OK. He graduated valedictorian of his class in 1950 at Colorado Springs Bible College Academy. He transferred to Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1952 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion. He later received his Master's degree in Education from Fort Hayes State University.

On June 7, 1951, he married Joan Nelson at Pleasant View Church near Hopeton, Oklahoma. They were blessed with the birth of four children. They were married 63 years before her death in 2015.

Bushman's ministry started through music in a gospel quartet, and after college he pastored several churches throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Arizona. They finally settled in Enid in August 2004. They became members of the Maine Church of the Nazarene where he pastored for six years and had a successful prison ministry as long as his health allowed. Bushman retired in 2008; however, he never stopped sharing the Good News with anyone who would listen. He had a heart of compassion for all who were in need. Jerald also enjoyed fishing, hiking, sports, and visiting with family in his spare time.

On January 1, 2016, Jerald married Muriel Black and greatly enjoyed their companionship.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joan, he was preceded in death by his only brother, Herschel Lee Bushman; a nephew, Bruce Bushman; great-grandson, James Bushman.

Jerald is survived by his wife, Muriel; three sons, Dwight (Roxine) Bushman of Wakita; Dennis (Sheri) Bushman of Alva; Doug (Dr. Laurie) Bushman of Enid; one daughter, Donna (Mark) Davis of Syracuse, Kansas; two stepdaughters, Jocille (Sheldon) Tucker of Crescent, Dr. Donalyn (Dr. Joe) Alexander of Abilene, TX; one stepson, Ronnie Black of Enid.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; one nephew; one sister-in-law; numerous other relatives and friends. Jerald touched countless lives and will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris to Enid Maine Church of the Nazarene or Hope Outreach Ministries. Online guestbook at www.andersonburris.com.