Robert W. Rusk

Newport, Ind. -- Robert W. "Bill" Rusk, 90, of Newport, passed away at 6:45 a.m. EDT Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his residence. He was born June 13, 1920, in Danville, Illinois, the son oldest son of the late Cash and Katherine Garrett Rusk. He lived in Veedersburg, Indiana before moving to Newport, Indiana. He married Dorothy M. Neff his wife of 64 years on Friday, September 13, 1946 at her home in Newtown, Illinois. She survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Robert A. Rusk of Rockville, Indiana and Donald G. Rusk of Newport, Indiana; two granchildren, Robert M.(Meghan)Rusk of Chesterfield, Missouri and Kathryn Ann Rusk of Columbia City, Indiana; one sister, Mary Jo Livengood of Lafayette, Indiana; three brothers, Richard(Lorna)Rusk of Veedersburg, Indiana; Tom Rusk of Lake Park, Georgia and Roy(Francis)Rusk of Hutchinson, Kansas; one brother in law, Glen Marrow of Danville, Illinois; one sister in law, Donna Cunningham of Veedersburg, Indiana; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Bill attended school in Veedersburg, Indiana till the age of 16. He then took on the job of helping his mother provide for his younger brothers and sisters. He joined the CC's in Lafayette, Indiana then went on to join the United States Army on December 1, 1941. He served four years being honorably discharged on November 25, 1945. He was very proud of his four years in the service. Bill fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received several awards. Bill was very active in sports and enjoyed fishing and golfing until ill health took this all away. He was a big Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. Bill was a member of the Newport United Methodist Church and the Newport American Legion Post #184. He served as Chief of Police in Veedersburg, Indiana and formerly worked at the Army Ammunition Plant in Newport, Indiana. He was on the original school board for North Vermillion High School. He retired from Olin in Covington, Indiana after 30 years. Bill and his wife enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida. He was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren that he always called his pride and joy. Memorial services: 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana with military rites following services at the funeral home; Officiating: Rev. Jon Overbey; Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the funeral home. Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated and burial of cremains will be held at a later date in Rockfield Cemetery in Veedersburg, Indiana. Contributions may be made to the Newport United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 263, Newport, Indiana 47966-0263.