Robert E. Rust

Robert (Bob) E. Rust passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 24, 2014. Bob was born on July 22, 1924 in Cairo, IL to Otto and Geneva Rust. Bob was currently a resident of Spring, TX. While a native of Illinois, he lived in Louisiana for many years, including Shreveport, Lafayette and New Orleans.
Bob was a paratrooper in WWII, participating in five campaigns, including a night jump into southern France and The Battle of the Bulge. He received a Bronze Star and was wounded twice receiving a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. In addition to WWII, he was called to duty as part of the Louisiana National Guard and served in the Korean War for which he received the Army Commendation Medal.
Bob attended Tulane University, receiving a Jurist Doctorate Degree. He spent his professional career in the oil business, and retired as an executive of the Taylor Energy Company in 1989.
Bob was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands, TX. He also was a member for many years of St. Stevens Lutheran Church in New Orleans where he served as President of the Congregation, Chief Elder and Sunday School Superintendent. He regularly attended Sunday services held at the Village at Gleannloch Farms, the senior citizen community where he last resided.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Catherine (Katie) Stewart Rust, as well as his sister and brother-in-laws, Hazel and Bill Burrichter and Jack Taylor. Bob is survived by his sons, James E. Rust and his wife, Susie, of Montgomery, TX and Robert L. Rust and his wife, Kathryn, of Baton Rouge, LA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his sister, Frances Taylor, numerous nieces and nephews and his close friend and companion, Betty Stewart.
Bob enjoyed a variety of activities, including travel, reading and golf. However, his greatest interest was spending time with the family he so dearly loved. He was truly the patriarch of his family. His wisdom, integrity, Christian values and love of family will be his legacy.
Funeral services will be held at the Chapel at the Houston National Cemetery at 2 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to TOMAGWA Health Care Ministries, 455 School Street, Ste 30, Tomball, TX 77375 www.tomagwa.org.