John Robert Rust

John Robert Rust, age 82, husband of Linda Butts Rust, and a resident of Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at The Reserve at Spring Hill.

Born on June 29, 1944, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, John was the first son and fourth of eleven children of the late Robert Eugene Rust and the late Elaine Delmore Rust. John and his wife, Linda of 52 years, shared the same birthday, and on June 29, 1974, they made that special day even more meaningful by becoming husband and wife. Their shared birthday and anniversary remained a unique and special part of their life together.

John proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Raised in a humble home, he learned the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age. Among his childhood responsibilities was shoveling coal to keep the fires burning and his family warm. That strong work ethic stayed with him throughout his life.

John was dedicated to education and personal achievement, earning his Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Juris Doctorate. Throughout his professional career, he worked as a stockbroker, served as Vice President of three different companies, and in 1985, founded his own business, Rust & Associates.

John believed in being an active participant in both life and his community. An avid runner who completed many 5Ks over the years, he eventually brought his enthusiasm for the sport to his own community by organizing a local 5K. His commitment to getting involved also led him to public service, including serving a term on the City Council in Canton, Georgia.

John had a love for travel and enjoyed seeing the world. Over the years, he traveled to all fifty states, much of Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was especially proud of having attended the famous Ice Bowl in 1967. John had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke or a playful comment. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Steven (Lindsay) Rust, Jason (Lauren) Rust, siblings, Joan (Jim) Stillman, Thomas Rust, Judy (Mark) Lenmark, Kate Prell, Steve (Paula) Rust, Donald (Paula) Rust, sisters and brothers in law, Marilyn (Joe) McGrath, Steven Sorenson, Robin (Dave) Akmon, Joel Vandeven, brother in law, Ken Stolp, grandchildren, Jack Rust, Ben Rust, Ty Rust, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Katherine Kate Rust, siblings, Nancy and Jim Schrantz, Ruth Johnson, Jeanette Rust, Barb Stolp, sister in law, Kathy Van Deven, brother in law, Larry Prell, niece, Amy Zito, nephew, Michael Prell, and beloved dog, Izzy.