Kirby Lee Rusch

In Loving Memory of Kirby Lee Rusch 11/03/1952 – 8/12/2025
Kirby Lee Rusch, born Frank Kirby Hayden II, departed this earth, August 12, 2025. He passed peacefully after years of courageously facing health challenges.
Kirby was born November 3, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas to Elsie Faye Hawkins and Frank Kirby Hayden. He was later adopted by his stepfather, Guswin Rusch, and raised together with Elsie and his two siblings in the Hot Wells area of San Antonio.
He is survived by his four children: Christi Rusch, Lynda Tobias (Gabriel), Sarah Brown (Mike), Christopher Rusch, John Moul (Stefanie). Grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, DoraMadyson, Jacob (Alyssa), Tyler, Ethan, Gavin, Johnnie, Sadie, Kayla, Juliet and Sabrina. Surviving sister Diana Rusch Kovacs and many other family and friends!
Kirby was preceded in death by his mother Elsie Rusch, both fathers, Guswin Rusch and Frank Hayden, and his brother Michael Rusch.
Kirby carried with him a lifelong love for San Antonio culture, which he celebrated and embraced in his daily life. He was also deeply influenced by the folk and protest music of the counterculture era, along with his beloved outlaw country and rock 'n' roll. Together, these sounds became the soundtrack of his life, reflected in the extensive vinyl collection he curated and cherished.
He attended Highlands High School before leaving to embrace the working world, where he poured his energy into a wide range of trades. Over the years, he was a construction worker, smoke pit master, snack bar manager, truck driver, HEB warehouse manager, and security guard. He believed in the dignity of hard work and in providing for his family. He also enjoyed collecting coins and recording countless movies and television shows that he loved to watch and share.
Family and food were at the center of Kirby's life. Known for his legendary mesquitesmoked brisket and ribs-better than any restaurant in Texas-he carried on traditions that became treasured family memories. Though he didn't earn his GED until the age of 43, Kirby embodied the lesson that it's never too late to grow, improve, and lead by example. He found love three times in his life, and his greatest transformation came with becoming a grandfather, where his wisdom, humor, and warmth deepened.
Kirby was a storyteller, a jokester, and a teacher. He faced hardship with grit and grace, and he left his family with lessons that will endure for generations. Though his last years were marked by illness, he met them with the same determination that defined his life. He is now at rest, remembered for his love, his laughter, and the rich legacy he leaves behind.
Memorial Services for Kirby Lee Rusch, will be: Friday 08/29/2025 at Baptist Temple Church, 901 E Drexel, 78210, 10am-12pm family visitation, 12pm-1pm will be the Church Services.
Lunch following services will be at Angelica's #3 Mex Restaurant, 1326 Goliad Rd. 78223.
Asking everyone to wear blue in memory of him.