Baker Hoskins Bush

Baker Hoskins Bush, 84, of Little Rock, passed away on August 8, 2020. He was born on August 1, 1936 in Helena, Ark. He is preceded in death by his parents James R. Bush and Margaret Hoskins Bush; brother, Dr. Frederick William Bush, and his wife of 37 years, Nicole Holmes Bush. He is survived by his brother, James Robert Bush, Jr. (Betty) of Loreta, Tenn., his three children, Nicole Bush McCain IV (W. Ross) of Little Rock, Margaret Brashier Bush of Franklin, Tenn., David Holmes Bush (Anne) of Greenville, Miss.; seven grandchildren, W. Ross McCain, V, Margaret Hoskins McCain of Little Rock, Rebecca Taylor Wright, Parker Holmes Wright, Nicole Anne Wright of Franklin, Tenn., Baker Holmes Bush and Carlisle McGee Bush of Greenville, Miss. Baker attended Sacred Heart Academy through ninth grade. While a freshman at Sacred Heart, he was appointed to be a Page in 1951 by the Democratic Congressman of the 1st District. He was present during the joint session when General Douglas MacArthur made his famous speech, "Old Soldiers Never Die". He transferred to Central High School his sophomore year and graduated in 1954. He then attended Memphis State University where he was elected Vice President of his freshman class and subsequently President of his sophomore class. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as President. Along with his family Baker created the Helena Scholarship Program for student athletes playing football for the University of Arkansas. Many great Razorbacks have been recipients of the scholarship award. He was a Director of the Helena Compress and Laconia Circle Levy District. He served on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Easter Seals from 1971 to 1980. He was appointed by Gov. Dale Bumpers to an eight-year term on the War Memorial Stadium Commission from 1971 to 1979. He was also a member of the Helena City Council, filling the remainder of his deceased father's term and winning re-election. In 1970, Baker became Executive Vice-Chairman of First National Bank of Phillips County, of which he was majority shareholder. His numerous business interests stretched from Houston, Texas, through Baton Rouge, La., to Jacksonville, Fla. After a long and fulfilling career at DataPath ,he retired in 2013. He was especially grateful for his friendship with DataPath's founder, John Robbins, Sr. Baker lived a full life. He traveled often with his wife and children. Particularly fond of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Baker would take his family to games throughout the old Southwest Conference and the Southeast Conference. Many stories of glory and heartache continue to be discussed around the family table on Saturday steak night. He was a proud supporter and devout fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Memphis State Tigers. He adored his children and seven grandchildren. All the grandkids couldn't wait to see Pops. Cho-chos and candy were always on hand for the grandkids while beverages for the adults were served. He was truly one of a kind. He was loved by many, will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena, Arkansas, with Father Michael McCain officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Ernest Cunningham, Jim Barton, Charles Watts, Peggy Webster, Terry Pera and Holly Henderson. When it is safe for us all to get together again, we will gather and celebrate Baker's life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Easter Seals Arkansas (Easter Seals Arkansas Attn: Online Giving Coordinator, 3920 Woodland Heights Rd, Little Rock, Ark. 72212). Please share your memories of Baker at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal