Two bodies recovered following early morning house fire in Navasota

NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) - The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office says two bodies were found following a house fire in Navasota early Friday.

Sheriff Don Sowell confirmed the home caught fire in the 9900 block of South Business 6. When deputies arrived at 3:51 a.m., the building was fully engulfed. The Navasota Fire Department arrived two minutes later.

After the fire was extinguished, some residents were unaccounted for. Investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division and the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office were called to the scene.

Two bodies were discovered in the burned home. They are believed to be Ronald Busse, 63, and Donna Busse, 57. The bodies were taken to Travis County for autopsy.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell released a statement Friday afternoon.

On January 21, 2022 at approximately 0347 hrs, the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a structure fire in the 9900 block of South Business 6 near Navasota. Grimes County Deputies arrived on scene at 0351 hrs and found the residence to be fully ingulfed. The Navasota Fire Department arrived at 0353 hrs and began extinguishing the flames. Investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and requested the assistance of the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office as the occupants of the residence were unaccounted for.
The investigation began and two bodies were located within the structure. Family members on scene advised all indications were the occupants located within were presumed to be Ronald Busse (63) and Donna Busse (57). The Busses were taken to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Officer for autopsy and a supplemental release will be completed upon receipt of those results.
Don Sowell, Grimes County Sheriff

Both Ronald and Donna were beloved by the Navasota community, according to Sowell. The sheriff said Ronald was a businessman and fireman and Donna worked in the community in many facets.

“The best thing people can do is just offer up their thoughts and prayers, strength and support because it’s just a sad situation,” Sowell said. “How do you explain it? Every day is precious, enjoy every day.”

Ronald was the Former Fire Chief in Navasota, according to the Navasota Fire Department.

Navasota Fire Department sends our thoughts and prayers to the Busse and Becker Families. Please keep these families in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Posted by Navasota Fire Department on Saturday, January 22, 2022

He was recognized by the Texas State Senate in Senate Resolution No. 207 as the Navasota Fire Department’s 1992 Fireman of the Year.

“Since joining the Navasota Fire Department, Mr. Busse has consistently displayed sound judgment and expertise in dealing with the unique challenges of a fireman’s duties, and he has made innumerable contributions to the people of Grimes County,” according to Senate Resolution No. 207.