Eugene Busche

Eugene M. Busche

Carmel - Eugene M. Busche died Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Carmel, Indiana at the age of 92 after a brave battle with Parkinson's Disease. Eugene was born on July 2, 1926 in Decatur, Indiana to Louis Martin Busche and Ruby Edith Smith Busche.

Educated at West Lafayette High School (1944) and Indiana University School of Business (1950), Eugene was a Chartered Life Underwriter (1953) and a Fellow, Life Office Management Institute (1965).

Eugene was deeply committed to his family, including his wife of 64 years, Barbara Sherow Busche whom he married on August 1, 1954; son David (Tina, deceased 1998), grandchildren, Caleb, Patience and Taber Busche and great grandson, Kendren Busche; daughter Sara Cobb (David) and grandchildren Caroline, Melissa and Lewis Cobb. He also is survived by his twin sister, Rogene Busche Borden (Tom, deceased 2009) of Fort Collins, CO and Roger M. Busche (Edna) of Wichita Falls, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eugene also was a longtime member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, which he and his family joined in 1959. He served as chairman, Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Lay Leader and was active in various financial campaigns. Eugene served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 as a Yeoman second class later and as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Eugene spent most of his professional career with Indianapolis Life Insurance Company from 1956-1991, serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition to his role with Indianapolis Life, he believed strongly in a vibrant community and served on the board of directors of many civic and professional organizations including Bankers Life Insurance Co. of N.Y., Indiana National Bank, Methodist Hospital (chairman), Methodist Health Foundation (chairman), Arthur Jordan Foundation (chairman), President Benjamin Harrison Home Foundation (chairman), Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana (chairman), Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis (chairman), Rotary Club of Indianapolis (president), Economic Club of Indianapolis (President), Junior Achievement (chairman), Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Children's Museum, United Way of Central Indiana, Executive Service Corps, Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross, American Council of Life Insurance, Medical Information Bureau, University of Indianapolis, Christian Theological Seminary and CICOA Foundation.

Among his many honors and awards, Eugene was an Eagle Scout, a Laureate of the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame, Rotarian of the Year in 2012 (Rotary Club of Indianapolis), Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Insurance, Distinguished Alumni Award from Delta Tau Delta, and a Diamond donor to United Way. During his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed membership in the Service Club of Indiana.

Eugene was known for his quietly persuasive style that included careful listening, thoughtful questions and genuine appreciation of all people. Despite the challenges he faced with Parkinson's Eugene kept his sense of humor, optimism and courage. Often, those who came to offer support and encouragement found themselves being lifted up and encouraged by Eugene's faith, strength and charm. He also had a knack of finding common interests in a way that made those around him feel valued and appreciated.

Services to be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, January 18th at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where family and friends are invited to gather from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.