Robert Erwin Rush

Robert Erwin Rush

June 8, 1940 – April 17, 2014

On April 17th, weary from his journey, Robert “Bob” Rush crossed his final cattle guard, leaving this physical world and passing through the pearly gates to enter the Kingdom of God. Bob strolled effortlessly amongst the hearty herds of cattle that grazed from the seemingly endless lush, green pastures. Finally, Bob was HOME, checking cows and pastures in our Heavenly Father’s glorious kingdom.

Born June 8, 1940 in Michigan to Ervin V. and Ruth Hoskins Rush, Robert Erwin Rush was destined for a lifetime of agricultural endeavors. As a child, Bob, the eldest of four children, was immersed in a farming lifestyle. The family worked producing apples in an orchard in Romeo, Michigan. They would also raise and exhibit Hereford cattle.

As a young adult, Bob, his parents and his siblings moved to Georgia where they continued to raise cattle and cultivate numerous crops. Eventually, Bob and his brothers would take over the family business, as each of them married and had families of their own.

In 1981 ,Bob and his brother, Kenny, relocated their families and the Rush Brothers namesake to Texas, settling on a 1200 acre ranch, near Mart. There, they would rear their children, plant and harvest numerous crops while raising Hereford, Brahma & Braford cattle.

Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mart where he served as an usher for decades, until his health issues prevented him from doing so. Through the church, Bob consistently participated in the Walk to Emaeus. He also volunteered at the Texas Youth Commission, providing Christian fellowship to troubled young men.

He joined Farm Bureau as a young adult and remained a lifelong member. Intermittently over the years, Bob served Farm Bureau in numerous leadership capacities. He volunteered for Texas Farm Bureau at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo for many years. He was also a member of both the American Hereford Association and the Texas Hereford Association and always anticipated the delivery of their periodic publications so he could stay current on all things Hereford.

Bob gave of himself. Even when his breathing became more labored, making even routine activities difficult, Bob would still insist on helping distribute pantry items whenever the community food truck rolled in to Mart.

Bob LOVED to talk and no one could remain a stranger around him. He was always quick to tell a corny joke, give advice about the care of animals and would NEVER hesitate to express his opinions, even if they were unsolicited.

Bob is survived by:

His children,

Natalie Rush Gooden and husband, Brad

Nicole “Nikkey” Rush Freeman

Benjamin R. Rush and wife, Patricia

His grandchildren:

Kaymee and Karleigh Gooden

Braeden and Savannah Freeman

Kinsey and Cannon Rush

His siblings:

Kenneth A. Rush and wife, Rhonwyn

Carrol Lee Rush and wife, Patricia

Mary R. Rush Waters and husband, Michael

As well as 5 nieces and 4 nephews:

Robert and Kenneth’s children are double first cousins and for most of their upbringing lived within 100 yards of each other. For those reasons, “Uncle Robert” was especially close to Kenneth’s children:

Carrie Rush Kennedy, Jeremy Rush and Blake Rush.

Bob even referred to Carrie’s children (Ashley and Hunter Dawson) and Jeremy’s “Baby” (Bryton Rush) as his “other grandchildren”, even though they, technically, are part of Bob’s 11 great-nieces and 6 great-nephews.

We will gather to celebrate Robert’s life at the First United Methodist Church of Mart on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mart.

Place of Service: First United Methodist Church of Mart, 701 E Texas Ave, Mart, TX 76664