Lawrence Harley Bussard, Jr.

Lawrence Harley Bussard, Jr. 84 of Dumas passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at First Street Church. Interment will follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock in the evening on Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors. 

 Lawrence was born on May 17, 1940, in Canadian, TX to Lawrence “Pete” Harley, Sr. and Lillian Louise (Holland) Bussard. He was united in marriage to Dianne on June 27, 1969 at First Street Church of Christ in Dumas, TX; they were the first couple to marry in the church.  Lawrence graduated from Canadian High School in 1958 and went on to study at West Texas State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned his master’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State. He began his teaching career in Paducah, and then moved to Dumas and taught at Morningside Elementary School for a few years and then moved to Dumas Jr. High School where he taught Art. Lawrence later became Assistant Principal at Dumas Jr. High and then became the Principal of Hillcrest Elementary. Following his tenure there, he was then named Assistant Superintendent of Dumas ISD. He dedicated his life to Dumas Independent School District and education. He and his wife also owned and operated the Chocolate Pantry where Lawrence was known as the “candy man.” Lawrence loved people and always found time to visit with any and everyone. He loved art, trains and traveling with family and friends. He was a member of the First Street Church in Dumas.  

He was a member of Dumas Education Foundation as a board member, President of Meals on Wheels, Senior Center President, Region 16 Board Member, DISD District Council, a member of TSTA and TASA and Past President of Moore County Schools Federal Credit Union.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Sydney Wayne Bussard.  

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Dianne of the home; son: James Bussard and wife Candi of Dumas, TX; daughter: L. Suzanne Jeffries and husband Marquez of Forney, TX; grandchildren: Hunter Bussard, Dane Stavenhagen, Ainsley Bussard, Gavin Coleman, Michelle Almonte-Jeffries, Jackson Jeffries, Brooklyn Jeffries; sister: Janet Garner of Amarillo, TX; good friends: Larry Appel and wife Judith of Dumas, TX as well as many close friends and family. 

The family requests, with gratitude, memorials be made to Dumas Education Foundation, 300 S Klein, Dumas, TX 79029.