Obituary of John Gerald Bumstead

John Gerald Bumstead, 86, of Columbia, passed peacefully on March 30, 2023.  Born September 7, 1936 in Sault Sainte Marie, MI, he proudly served in the US Navy from 1954 – 1957.  John left the Navy as a Pipefitter and in December 1957 joined the US Air Force. He served in the Vietnam Era conflict and retired from the Air Force in 1974.  He then started a career with BCBS of SC and retired as Building Manager at the age of 55.  In retirement, he served as a MEPS facilitator for the ASVAB test until the age of 72. 

John married the love of his life, Joan Novia, on Feb 13, 1957 and had five children.  He was married for 63 years and took care of his wife until she passed from Alzheimer’s in 2020. He loved his family and children/grandchildren dearly and used the word “lusja” often.  He was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  John also served his community by being part of the Neighborhood Watch Team.  John had a passion for golf and was a lifetime member of the Fort Jackson Golf Club. 

Survivors include children, Cindy Bumstead, John Bumstead, Jr., Patricia Langella(Doug), Dawn Bumstead, Theresa Hanna(Bryan); grandchildren, Jill Boudreaux (Paul), Nick Langella, Zachary Hanna, Megan Hanna; great grandchildren, Magdalene Boudreaux; sisters, Deloris Hart, Judy Bjork(Larry), Patricia Jackson, and Nancy Bumstead; and many nieces and nephews.

A mass to celebrate his life will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Thursday, April 6th, at 10:30AM.  The Bumstead’s will receive family and friends at a visitation prior to the service from 9:30 - 10:30AM at the funeral home. Final burial with be at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.

For those unable to attend, the services will be streaming live through the following links: chapel service at the funeral home  https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/6364608362, graveside service at Fort Jackson https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/3681812294