Gary Arthur Rust

Gary Rust died August 2, 2018 at his home in Higden, Ark. He was born on August 5, 1939 to Harley and Delores Rust in West Allis, WI, but moved to Colorado with his family at the age of two. An actual cowboy, Gary competed in rodeos in his youth, and ranched in Colorado for many years before moving to Arkansas in 1981 to take over a welding and garage business for an ailing family member. Stubborn and as tough as nails. Open-minded and kind. Throughout the years, many people came to depend on him for his skills, his advice, a good visit, or a new joke. His grouchy veneer fooled nobody. He was generous with his time and talents, and took in many a stray person or animal. Memories of time spent with him flow in from young and old, and the volume of them was best summed up by an old friend: He left a lot of footprints. Survivors include his children, Matt Rust (Lisa), Gina McNew (Brad), Bonnie Robertson (Brian), former wife Deanna Rust, "adopted" daughter, Crystal Barnum, siblings Doug Rust, Patty Rust, Keith Rust, and grandchildren Justin, Alexis, Steven, Blake, Samantha, Aaron, Ethan, McKenna, Grant, Lance, and Helen. Preceding him in death were his daughter Nikki Rust, granddaughter Elisha McNew, his parents, and siblings Patrick Rust, Ramona James, and Danny Rust. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at West Side Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Family Funeral Service. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.