Cornelius “Sam” Bush (Standing Bear), Jr., 74, of Dowagiac, passed away at The Timbers of Cass County on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015.

A Traditional Tribal Service will be held at noon on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Grounds/Roger’s Lake at 58620 Sink Road, Dowagiac, Michigan, with Clarence White officiating. Burial will follow at Bradley Indian Missionary Cemetery in Bradley, Michigan.  A viewing for family and friends will be Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Tribal Grounds.  Memorial donations may be made to family.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Cornelius online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Sam entered this world on July 13, 1941, in Hastings, Michigan to Cornelius and Bertha (Sprague) Bush, Sr. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Sam served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era and was a Purple Heart recipient. He carried the Peace Chief Eagle Staff and was a five pipe carrier, fire keeper, drummer and singer. Sam was a Shaman to all Indian Nations performing many ceremonies. He was a teacher of the Peace Shield Teachings and was a tribal member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Sam is survived by his wife Bobbie; daughter, Jenny Makos; nieces, Dawn Mendoza, Cheyenne Case and April Jacobs; nephews, Carl Jacobs, Chad Jacobs and Harley Jacobs; numerous other family members. Also surviving are nieces and nephews of Viola Wesaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl and Bill; sisters, Jean, Viola, Lorraine and Cornelia (Corky).