Barrett Michael Bush

Barrett Michael Bush was born May 9, 2009, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to Zachary and Bridgette Bush. Barrett spent his earliest years growing up on the water along the beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

When he was 2-years-old, the family moved to Pinehurst, N.C., where his younger brother, Benjamin, was born. Two years later, the family settled in Oldham County, Ky., where Barrett spent most of his childhood and formed many of the friendships and memories that would shape his life. He attended LaGrange Elementary School, Locust Grove Elementary School, East Oldham Middle School and Oldham County High School, and as a family they attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in LaGrange. 

During those years, his younger brother Boone was born, completing the close-knit family that Barrett loved so dearly.

Growing up in Kentucky, Barrett loved being outdoors. Whether he was exploring the woods, fishing, hunting or embarking on adventures with his close friends, he felt most at home in nature. He had a deep love for animals and appreciated the beauty of God’s creation. Barrett was passionate about youth activities and sports, participating in trap shooting, Boy Scouts, soccer, wrestling, hockey and football. He especially cherished his years playing baseball in the North Oldham Little League, where he developed many friendships that stayed with him. It was also in Kentucky that Barrett discovered a passion for running.

In 2024, the Bush family moved to Hill City, South Dakota. Barrett quickly embraced his new community and became involved in cross country and track & field at Hill City High School. Through hard work and determination, he excelled in both sports finishing 10th in cross country and 13th in track in South Dakota Class A. As he prepared to begin his senior year, his future was bright and full of promise.

Those who knew Barrett well described him as an old soul. He appreciated the timeless music of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Waylon Jennings and loved listening to music wherever he went. 

Barrett’s greatest joy was being a big brother. He loved spending time with Ben and Boone, making them laugh, playing with them, and sharing countless adventures. Whether they were outdoors together or watching Star Wars as a family, Barrett treasured those moments and took pride in being someone his brothers could look up to.

Barrett’s parents were incredibly proud of the young man he had become. He was courteous, respectful, hardworking and deeply caring. He loved fiercely—God, his family, his friends and his country. Though his life was tragically cut short, Barrett’s legacy is one of kindness, faith, integrity and love. Barrett departed this life  July 14, 2026.

Barrett is survived by his loving parents, Zachary and Bridgette Bush, and his brothers, Benjamin and Boone Bush, all of Hill City; his grandparents, Dennis and Lita Patrick of Crestview, Fla., and Harlan Bush of Hill City; his aunts and uncles, Dennis Patrick, Jr., Jennifer (Ryan) Fowler, Joe (Tricia) Bush, and Jacob (Anna Kate) Bush; as well as many cousins, teammates, classmates and dear friends who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Beverly Ann Bush. 

Visitation will be held 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at Diamond Spur Event Center, 23826 Mill Iron Drive, Hill City.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with family friends at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hil City. Overflow for friends will be lived streamed and held at the Little White Church in Hill City.

Christian Funeral Committal will be held 2:30 pm., Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, S.D.