Wade "Rusty" Coffee Harrison, II

72, Attica, passed away at his home on Wednesday evening, June 28, 2017. Rusty was the son of the late Wade C. and Sarah K. (Dunlap) Harrison. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on May 27, 1945.

Rusty graduated from The Taft School in Watertown, CT in 1963 and Indiana University in 1967. In January of 1967, Rusty married Ann Shilling of Fort Wayne, IN. Rusty's graduate studies were at Indiana State University until serving in the U.S. Navy as a linguist in Vietnam. Following his military service he brought his family to Attica in 1972 where he worked at Harrison Steel for 45 years becoming President in 1983. Harrison Steel was founded in 1906.

He leaves behind his wife, Ann of 50 years; sons, Wade "Chip" C. (Tracy Deeds) Harrison and grandchildren, Wade IV and Isabelle live in Attica as do Robert S. (Emily Junius) Harrison with grandchildren, Helen and George. Ann and Rusty have felt fortunate to call Attica home with family so close and being involved in the community.

Rusty started Musical Arts in Attica which continued for thirty years. He has also given continued support to community events and needs. He served on the Governors Arts Commission, Indiana University Friends of Music Board, IU National Art Museum Advisory Board, Sante Fe Chamber Music Board and was an enthusiastic attendee of the Sante Fe Summer Opera. Rusty also served on a board for the music festival in Salzburg, Austria. He enjoyed playing the piano and extensive travel focusing on musical events and gardens.

As an avid gardener he enjoyed designing his own gardens which have been on view during local Arts and Garden Tours and a National Hosta Garden Tour.

He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash and honored with Ann as Citizen of the Year in 2000. In March of 2016 his Japanese Bamboo Sculpture collection was featured in an exhibit at Indiana University Herron School of Art and Design.

A memorial service and celebration of Rusty's life will be held in the Attica First United Methodist Church, 200 E. Jackson St., Attica, on Thursday, July 6th at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Kate Walker officiating. A memorial gathering will be held immediately after the memorial service at the Harrison Hills Country Club, located at the corner of New and College streets.

Memorial contributions for Wade "Rusty" Harrison may be made to the I.U. Foundation, c/o Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 26206-6260 or the Attica Community Foundation, c/o Rusty and Ann Harrison Unrestricted Fund, P.O. Box 161, Attica, IN 47918.

Online condolences may be sent to

www.mausfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Jul. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Wade Harrison

14 Entries

Harold Long

June 23, 2021

The community was served well by Rusty's presence, and continue to reap favorable opinions by those who knew him. The Harrison community deserves recognition for all the good they heaped upon the City and surrounding area.

William Hollander

June 23, 2020

He is greatly missed.

George & Jane Ellsworth

July 6, 2017

Ann, Chip, and Robert,
We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow, and are praying for God's comfort and peace to envelop you and your family. Rusty was a great blessing to our community, amd he will be greatly missed.

Jeff and Kay Franklin

July 6, 2017

Dear Ann and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a good man and I am a better man for having known him. He was a positive influence on everyone.

Ann and Dick Baker

July 1, 2017

Dear Ann and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have always appreciated your family and feel fortunate to know you.

kris kowalewski

July 1, 2017

My deepest condolence goes out to the family during this difficult time. May God provide you with the strength and comfort you need as you cope with your loss. (Psalms 9:9)

Dave and Judy Hollander

June 30, 2017

Sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. We felt privileged to know him. The Musical Arts was one of the premier attractions in Attica.

Vicki Lowery

June 30, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of Rusty....he always would ask me how my son was doing when he came into the Wecare for blood work. Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Nikki McMasters (FCEMS)

June 30, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. May your family have peace and comfort during this time.

candy shoaf

June 29, 2017

so sorry to learn that Rusty has passed. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Jona (wolf) Henry

June 29, 2017

Rusty and I were childhood friends and I was always happy to see him when I did, visiting Attica in recent years. He was a good soul and will be missed by so many but treasured memories will be so numerous, I know. He was my first kiss when we were probably six, in the Devon, behind his black felt hat. Makes me smile.
Attica was richer by his presence and by his good will.

Marcia Blankenship

June 29, 2017

Rusty was a great man! Enjoyed trimming his hair and our many conversations, he had a passion for the people of Attica, And he always made me feel equal and we laughed often! Thank you Rusty!! My deepest sympathy to the Family and Lori

Harold Long

June 29, 2017

Ever grateful for his quiet support for all things beneficial to our community. Wishing his family and friends sincere condolences knowing his loss brings fond memories of the good soul to be found in his being. Thank you Rusty.. Peace.

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