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Edward Bushmeyer

1950 - 2026

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Edward Bushmeyer Obituary

Edward L. Bushmeyer passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, in the arms of his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Louise Tonkovich, and his children, Christopher (Kate) Bushmeyer and Lisa (Kevin) Miller. He was loving Poppop of Liam, Finn and Gavin Miller and Christopher and Rose Bushmeyer.

Ed, 75, was a proud graduate of St. Louis University High, UMSL and St. Louis University. He was a VISTA Volunteer in the Soulard neighborhood. He also served one term as the neighborhood's state representative, 1979-81.

He then worked in city government for four mayors, beginning as press secretary to Mayor Vince Schoemehl. His 34-year career in city government included service as public safety director, supply commissioner, an assistant in the water division and assistant airport director. He was city assessor for 12 years.

After retirement in 2013, he worked on numerous political campaigns, including those of Schoemehl, former Mayor Francis Slay and current Mayor Cara Spencer, and those of fellow St. Louis Hills-area Democrats Jim Shrewsbury, Mary Pat Carl and Tom Oldenburg.

In 2021, Ed published a book about his political and public service years, "Diamond Vince to Saint Francis," on file at the St. Louis, UMSL and Washington University libraries. His papers are in the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Ed donated his body to the Washington University Medical School. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. Ed wanted a party, not a wake.

Ed requested, in lieu of other tributes, donations to the St. Louis Area Food Bank and St. Louis U. High.
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Mar. 31, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
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9 Entries

Bill Kuehling

Earlier today

To Louise and the entire Bushmeyer family... Ed set the mark as to how a person could be civically involved in his community and how to conduct yourself, not only as a public servant, but a human being. He was tested by health challenges towards the end of his life, but he met them with courage and strength... I was lucky enough to have been his friend and I will miss our trips to the ballpark and our lunches... May be rest in peace.. Bill Kuehling

Francis Slay

Yesterday

My sympathies to you and your family, Louise. Ed truly was a talented, passionate, and effective public servant, as well as a great guy. My sympathies to you and your family.
Francis Slay

JOSEPH MIKLOVIC

Yesterday

I had the privilege of working closely with Ed as fellow trustees on the City of St. Louis Pension Board. It was there that I saw firsthand the qualities that defined him—thoughtfulness, discipline, and a firm commitment to doing things the right way. Together, we helped guide the board through a critical transition, developing and issuing a Request for Proposals to secure a new group of investment managers.

This was no small undertaking. It required diligence, independence, and a willingness to ask the hard questions. Ed approached it exactly as one would expect—methodically, ethically, and always above board. He insisted on transparency and fairness, ensuring that the process was driven not by influence, but by merit. In the end, we were successful in selecting outstanding money managers—an outcome that reflected Ed’s insistence on excellence and accountability.

Ed’s impact extended far beyond formal titles and responsibilities. He was a steady, reliable presence in rooms where decisions mattered. He had a keen understanding of how city government functioned—not just in theory, but in practice. He had seen the personalities, the pressures, and the inevitable “bumps along the way,” as he once described them, yet he never allowed those realities to compromise his integrity.
He possessed a rare combination of realism and optimism. Ed understood the complexities and challenges of public life, yet he never became cynical. He believed in good people, in good governance, and in the importance of staying grounded in truth. Those who worked with him knew him as a “straight-up guy”—honest, direct, and fair.

And yet, beyond the work, Ed was simply a joy to be around. He brought a warmth and authenticity that made even the most serious discussions feel human. There was always a sense that he valued the people in the room as much as the issues on the table. He was not just a colleague—he was a friend.
I will always treasure the signed copy he gave me of his book, Diamond Vince to Saint Francis. In it, Ed captured the arc of a career deeply intertwined with the story of St. Louis—its leadership, its challenges, and its enduring spirit. The book reflects what those of us who knew him already understood: that his work was never about position or recognition, but about service.

His was a life of purpose, integrity, and quiet impact. A life that made a difference.
He will be deeply missed, but his example will endure. Ed, Louise & I attended many music recitals for our respective "grands" and constantly 'planned' a coffee appointment that never seemed to materialize with constant date conflicts.

May Ed rest in peace and his memory be eternal.

Tom Irwin

Yesterday

Louise, I am sorry to hear about Ed. He was a good guy. Always enjoyed our time together. May he rest in peace.
Tom Irwin

Mark Ferris

Yesterday

Great guy and politician! Tireless promoter of Saint Louis! Took down the Leisure machine with help!

Terry Randall

Yesterday

I am so sorry to hear this. I always loved talking to him. You guys were great neighbors for 30 years across the street. My deepest condolence to you and your kids. My heart goes out to you. I know how hard it is to lose someone you really love.

Gerry Grindler

Yesterday

Rest in peace cousin. Your love and kindness for all of us will be missed.

Pierre Picard

Yesterday

Met Ed in 1973. Ed had an old Chevelle convertible. Ed was a wonderful human. Mes sincères condoléances à Louise () et à toute la famille.

Ann Davis

Yesterday

Louise, Chris and Lisa,

So sorry to hear of Ed´s passing. I recall his wonderful smile and his vet family at St Gabriel events. Know of my prayers for all of you.

Ann Davis
Former Principal- StGabe

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