Kenneth Harold Rust

Kenneth Harold Rust, a hardworking and loved father of three, passed away in the Royse City Medical Lodge in Royse City, Texas on June 7, 2022, at the age of 91. 

He was born on February 5, 1931 in Omaha, TX and his past inspired his work ethic and hardworking nature. His father died when he was a young teen, leaving his mother, his older brother and sister, and himself to work to help take care of the other siblings. He worked many hours & spent most of his time earning in one way or another his entire life. In 1953 he was drafted by the Army and served during the Korean War until 1955.

Kenneth married Leoma Frances Rust on October 5th, 1951. Together, they had three children: Joy Lynn, Julia Ann, and Kenneth Daniel.

Kenneth was a devoted father and veteran who was never too tired to go to work or help someone with a project. He cared for people and always worked long and hard to improve life for his family so they would have a better life than himself.  He will continue to be remembered by the family as their leader and took control whenever he was needed to make sure his wife and children were taken care of. One of the fondest memories for his children was his role as the “Best Santa Ever,” every year he made Christmas extra special by decorating the house inside and out, carefully selecting and hiding gifts, and making Christmas morning an unforgettable experience.

Kenneth’s spent the majority of his time off with his family, going on summer vacations every year with his children and antiquing with Frances on road trips to visit family near and far. He dutifully cared for his home, which Frances decorated in his favorite color, blue, and tended to his yard where his favorite flower, roses, could be found. 

His ability to care for others didn’t stop at his wife and children; this was demonstrated early in his life by his love for his childhood pet, Sam. Later in life, his Boston Terrier, Wendy, became ‘The dog above all dogs.’ She was the most important thing in Kenneth and Frances’ life and home, once all the kids were grown & on their own. They even travelled with her at their side to casinos and casino boats while Kenneth honed his hobby and improved his skills of gambling.  He had quite the knack for playing cards and they enjoyed traveling together.

Because of his desire to support his family, one of his most proud moments, outside of being married and fathering his children, was the day he opened his own business, "Rust's Quality Coffee & Vending," with the help of his wife, son Danny, & brother Gerald. The company was very successful, and he loved working for himself after all the years he had spent earning others their money. His true potential shined. 

Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Julia Ann Rust Hewitt in Vancouver, WA (spouse Lenny Hewitt) and Kenneth Daniel “Danny” Rust in Lone Oak, TX (spouse Cynthia Tuttle Rust); his grandchildren, Joy Beth Richardson Cook, Russel Wayne Whitmore, Jennifer Ann Hewitt Calvery, Ashley Renee Rust, Jamie Robert Rorie, Brandi Dannette Rorie Stark; and his great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Richardson, Kayleigh Rorie Stark, Ryleigh Rorie, Brier Stark, Kenneth Chase Whitmore, Chancellor Wayne Whitmore, Byron Nathaniel Whitmore, and Trinity Love Whitmore; his brothers Charles Rust, Robert Rust, and Luther Rust.

The family preceding their death are his wife Leoma Frances Rust, his daughter, Joy Lynn Richardson, his father, James Oda Rust, mother, Bertha Bell Clark Rust, sister, Imer D Newman, and brothers, Hazelwood Rust and Gerald Dean Rust.

As we remember Kenneth and his life, he would want you to remember that whatever you do in life, make sure you do it the best you can, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you do your best. 

Visitation for the public is open on Monday, June 13th from 6pm-8pm. A funeral service is scheduled for 10am on Tuesday, June 14th at New Hope Funeral Home, 500 E Highway 80, Sunnyvale, TX followed by the burial at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at 4600 N Belt Line RD Sunnyvale, TX.

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