David Alan Rush

David Alan Rush obituary, Murphysboro, IL

David Alan Rush

David Rush Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 4, 2024.
David Alan Rush was born on May 11, 1940 and died on February 28, 2024 of complications from Parkinson's disease, just one month after his 30th wedding anniversary with Wayne Larsen and just a few months before what would have been his 84th birthday.

He was born to Florence Kaplan and Arthur Rush in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away in Carbondale, Illinois. In between, he had a full and fulfilling life.

He married his childhood friend and high school love, Fran Miles, with whom he had two children, Rebecca and Miles. He and Fran divorced but remained friends and considered each other family to this day. In his 40s, he met and fell in love with Wayne Larsen, whom he would marry and spend the rest of his life with.

David earned his doctorate in playwriting at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and became not only an influential educator (at Texas State University, Governors State University, Columbia College, and Southern Illinois University) but also an accomplished playwright and librettist. He received critical acclaim and awards for many of his plays and saw his work produced at Mark Taper Forum, Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, Chicago Dramatists, Stage Left and others. His plays explore the complexity of human relationships; many are set against backdrops of historical figures and events, while others are thought-provoking commentaries about current social issues. "Beethoven/Karl", "Leander Stillwell", " The Prophet of Bishop Hill", "Police Dear Near Far", 'One Fine Day", "Nureyev's Eyes", and an adaptation of Sophocles's "Antigone" are among them. www.davidrushwriter.com

He won two Emmy awards for episodes he wrote and helped produce for a Chicago-based Jewish television program. And wrote several books about the art of playwriting.

In the late 1960s he and his artistic partner Errol Pearlman founded an off-Loop theater, Center Stage, in Chicago, where they mounted original plays and musicals. Their life-long partnership produced many pieces including "The Fools" and "The King of New London".

He spent his favorite summers at Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts in Wisconsin, directing hundreds, if not thousands, of campers in classic American musicals. Always the educator, he loved introducing new generations to the theatre, and he had a profound influence on many of their lives.

David was head of the playwriting program at Southern Illinois University for 15 years, and retired at the age of 71.

He was a voracious reader his whole life, with interests ranging from science fiction to historical biographies to theatre analysis. He sang in choirs. He was fascinated by the Civil War and spent many years as a reenactor in the Union Army. He took up piano in his 70s. And he became a Lego aficionado his last few years.

His students would describe him as intense and inspirational. His summer campers considered him devoted and enthusiastic. His friends and family knew him to be thoughtful and kind.

David is predeceased by his older brother, Henry (Sonny) but leaves behind his husband, Wayne; daughter, Rebecca; son, Miles; daughter-in-law, Miriam; grandchildren, Raphaella and Elijah; his younger brother, Sam; sister-in-law, Judy; four nephews; ex-wife, Fran Rush; her husband, Bob Branson; and countless friends and admirers.

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

Sign David Rush's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 14, 2024

The Blackman Family planted trees.

March 6, 2024

Allison Roy Sandlin posted to the memorial.

March 6, 2024

Jonathan Graham posted to the memorial.

Single Memorial Tree

The Blackman Family

Planted Trees

Allison Roy Sandlin

March 6, 2024

I will always remember Dave´s kindness and enthusiasm, his patience and passion for teaching!

Jonathan Graham

March 6, 2024

My condolences to Wayne and all of David's family, and thank you for that beautiful obituary. I was fortunate enough to be David's student at SIU in the final year of my MFA (1996-97), and I was happy to chat with him when we both had plays at the Great Plains Theatre Conference in 2010. I benefitted from David's high standards, honest feedback, and fun assignments. I also very much appreciated his perspective on being a "working playwright" when I was first sending my plays out in the world. I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from him.

Elaine Meizlish

March 5, 2024

Camp Harand and teaching our drama class

Wayne Larsen

March 5, 2024

David always insisted that we never go to bed angry at each other. He would ask to talk things out, or would apologize for his part in an argument.

Single Memorial Tree

Chris Siggins & Meire Braga

Planted Trees

Deborah Davis

March 4, 2024

I never got to meet David but I am friends with his daughter, Rebecca, an amazing person! The apple did not fall far from the tree! Rebecca has told me stories about her Dad and I feel lucky to have heard them. Rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in David Rush's name

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Rush's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign David Rush's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 14, 2024

The Blackman Family planted trees.

March 6, 2024

Allison Roy Sandlin posted to the memorial.

March 6, 2024

Jonathan Graham posted to the memorial.