Willard E. Rust, 94, Marion, passed away peacefully at his home at 6:50 pm on Monday, October 23, 2023, in Marion. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Friday, September 20, 1929, to Omen and Orpha (Bryant) Rust. He grew up in Fairmount and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1948. He married RuthAnn Nelson and they just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on October 13, 2023.
Willard was a salesman for National Mills in Fort Wayne for many years. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church and was a part of their “Joy Class”. Willard was active in the community and belonged to many organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Marion, The Evening Exchange Club, and The Shriners. As a Shriner, he volunteered for many years to drive kids to the Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed creating his whimsical folk art to the delight of his family and friends. For over 30 years, his creations have been sold at Dwellings Revisited Gallery in Taos, New Mexico. They were known as “Willard Originals”.
In addition to his loving wife, RuthAnn Rust of Marion, survivors include his daughters, Dianna (Jeffrey) Green of Bloomington, Brenda (Rob) Greco of Taos, NM; sister, Treva Reichard of Ossian; grandchildren, Alayna (Adam) Goode of Bloomington, Elliott (Alli) Green of Bloomington; and great-grandchildren, Finn, Lilian and Dylan Goode.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Omen and Orpha Rust; sister-in-Law, Claudene Rust; brothers, Melvin Rust, Harrold D. Rust; and sisters, Ellouise Holms, and Elberta Copeland.
A graveside service to celebrate Willard’s life will begin at 11:00 am at Grant Memorial Park with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating.
Refreshment for the family and friends will be held at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church 624 S. Adams St., Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Heart to Heart Hospice 1385 N. Baldwin Ave, Marion, IN 46952.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
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