Surrounded by his loving family, Joseph Craig Bushnell passed away peacefully from this world into the arms of his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, after a brief illness. Craig was the oldest son born to Elbert “Cotton” and Mary Jane Bushnell on Aug. 25, 1955.
After graduating from LaGrange High School in 1973, Craig began his successful career with South Central Bell as the first male telephone operator in Lake Charles. After working in Shreveport for a number of years, his next adventure led him to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked as a technical specialist, traveling the world consulting and assisting customers. After retiring with 32 years of service, Craig and his family moved back to Lake Charles to be with family which he loved more than anything. He loved being the oldest son. Craig devoted the last five years to helping his parents as his mother’s health began to decline. Golf was his sport of adult life and he made many great friends at the Lake Charles Country Club. He was a member of several committees, including community, homeowner, and reunion committees, where he was often called upon to help with technical issues.
Craig was a man of many talents with a brilliant mind of which many people benefited. He loved anything electronic-gadgets, home, computers, appliances. Any item or topic brought up in conversation about a purchase for electronics, Craig could research and have an answer of the best choice in a matter of hours. His gift of communication to anyone on any subject was truly a blessing as he made you feel comfortable and could find a common topic of interest and have an in-depth conversation about any topic.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jeanine Guillory Bushnell; father, Elbert “Cotton” Bushnell; brother, Jimmy Bushnell and wife Mary; brother, Tod Bushnell and wife Sherril; brother, David Bushnell and wife Jennifer; brother-in-law, Ted Guillory and wife Celia; brother-in-law, Brian Guillory and wife Libby; nephews, Andrew and Thomas Bushnell; nieces, Camille and Anna Bushnell; nephews, Jacques, Pierre, and Graham Guillory; niece, Stephanie Santos; niece, Elizabeth Broussard and husband Marcus; niece, Camille Cormier and husband Troy; great niece and nephew, Ava and Grayson Broussard; and great nephew, Ty Cormier.
Craig was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Michael Bushnell; mother, Mary Jane Bushnell; father-in-law, Wilmer “Frenchie” Guillory and wife Joan; and brother-in-law, David Guillory.
Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, La., from 4-6 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6 p.m. Burial will be a private ceremony held at a later date in Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles, La.
The family would like to thank all friends, extended family members, and healthcare professionals who cared for Craig and offered prayerful intentions over the past three weeks, especially Dr. Jason Langhofer, Dr. Leroy Fredericks, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Dr. Merritt Brown, West Jefferson Medical Center, Acadia Ambulance, and Harbor Hospice.
Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or St Jude Children’s Hospital.