J. C. Bussell, 71, Shelbyville, Texas, a native of Osawatomie, died Monday, May 27, 2002, in San Augustine, Texas.

He was born Nov. 1, 1930, in Osawatomie, the son of Larkin L. and Alice Mallory Bussell. He grew up in the Osawatomie area, attended local schools and was a 1948 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

He retired from the U.S. Navy, where he had achieved the rank of chief petty officer. He later worked as an electrician for the J.C. Penney Co., warehouse.

Those preceding him in death include two sisters, Dorothy Landry and Lillian Bussell.

Survivors include six children, John Henderson of New Hampshire, Matthew Bussell of Florida and Elizabeth Fanning, Mark Bussell, Roxanne Mottola and Michael Bussell, all of Rhode Island; a sister, Wilma Shores of Fort Scott; and a number of grandchildren.

He was cremated. Arrangements were under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the Osawatomie High School scholarship general fund.