PAPA

Johnny H. Buss, 77 of Cottonwood, died on June 17, 2009 at home with his family members beside him after a long battle with lung cancer. He lived the last months of his life as if he was a solider on his last "tour of duty". He was born November 30, 1931 to Frances and Gladys Buss in Williams, Arizona.Dad enjoyed hunting and fishing. His favorite hunting area was Perkinsville where we had a cabin for 22 years until the forest service took it down.Dad was raised in Williams, AZ until at an early age he joined the Army. Dad was a decorated soldier earning the bronze star and several purple hearts. He spent 20 years or so in the Army until he retired. After which he was City of Cottonwood Street Department Foreman for another 20 years until retirement. Cottonwood was a much smaller town then – not even a stop light.He enjoyed watching baseball; especially the Chicago Cubs. He also enjoyed watching the military channel. Most afternoons you could find Johnny at the local VFW where he was loved by many friends.Dad had many friends in the Verde Valley and wanted me to say farewell to each one of you! He was proud to have known you and he was grateful to have you in his life.Our Dad was a hell of a man and fought cancer to the end of his life. We will never meet a tougher person and he will be in our hearts forever.God Bless you Dad.Johnny was preceded in death by wife Betty Buss. He is survived by sons Donnie and Wesley Buss (Joanne); daughter Vickie Buss; sisters Gloria Morris and Marietta McNellis; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.